AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship 2027

Contexte

The Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS) at the University of Michigan is inviting applications for the 2027 Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship, a prestigious fully funded programme for early- and mid-career faculty members based at African universities and research institutions.

This two-year fellowship enables outstanding researchers to apply artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies to address significant scientific and engineering challenges while building long-term research capacity across Africa. The 2027 cohort also represents the final application cycle for this internationally recognized fellowship.

About the Fellowship: The African Faculty Fellowship supports researchers who want to integrate AI into their scientific research rather than pursue AI as a standalone discipline. Fellows spend one year in residence at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor before returning to their home institutions to implement an ambitious research, training, and impact programme.

Artificial intelligence is broadly defined within the fellowship and includes machine learning, robotics, Bayesian inference, simulation, and other advanced computational methodologies applicable to scientific discovery.

The programme emphasizes collaborative research between African institutions and the University of Michigan while strengthening sustainable AI ecosystems across the African continent.

Missions et responsabilités

• Conduct collaborative research within MIDAS and the host laboratory during the first year in residence at the University of Michigan.
• Participate in AI bootcamps, summer academies, collaborative learning sessions, and interdisciplinary research activities.
• Implement an Individualized Training, Research, and Impact Plan (I-TRIP) at the fellow’s home institution in Africa during the second year.
• Continue collaborating with University of Michigan mentors while expanding AI education and research within local scientific communities in Africa.

Profil recherché

• Hold a primary faculty appointment at an African university, or an equivalent research appointment at an African research institution.
• Possess a PhD before 1 July 2027.
• Be an early- or mid-career researcher whose PhD or first faculty appointment began on or after 1 July 2017.
• Demonstrate expertise in a scientific or engineering field with potential for AI-enabled research.
• Show a strong commitment to acquiring AI skills and applying them to impactful scientific challenges relevant to Africa.

Applicants may propose AI-driven research projects within the following domains: Biological and biomedical sciences, Earth and environmental sciences, Engineering, Physical sciences and mathematics. Biomedical proposals are eligible only if they focus on basic biological processes, disease mechanisms, or disease propagation using in silico, in vitro, or animal models. Projects centered on disease diagnosis, prevention, or treatment are outside the fellowship’s scope.

Conditions et avantages

The fellowship provides extensive financial, research, and professional support over two years. Successful fellows will receive:

• Annual stipend of $35,000
• Comprehensive medical insurance during residency
• Fully funded housing in Ann Arbor
• Round-trip travel between Africa and the United States
• Visa fees covered
• Funding for computers and software licenses
• Support for conference travel and AI training workshops
• Publication support for research outputs
• A $50,000 pilot grant upon returning to Africa to implement the approved research and impact plan

In addition, each University of Michigan faculty host receives $40,000 to support the collaborative research project during the fellow’s residency.

Dossier de candidature

Phase 1 applicants submit:

• Curriculum Vitae
• A four-page Individualized Training, Research, and Impact Plan (I-TRIP)
• Optional faculty host letter of support

Phase 2 selected applicants submit:

• Revised I-TRIP
• Three AI methodology keywords
• An eight-word research tagline
• A 300-word public research summary
• Three best research papers
• Faculty host letter of support
• Home institution approval letter confirming leave and return
• Two to three academic references

Comment postuler

Two-Phase Application Process: Phase 1 application deadline is 5 October 2026. Phase 2 application deadline is 23 November 2026. Acceptance notifications are sent in Early February 2027. Fellowship starts on 1 July 2027.

All Phase 1 applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on 5 October 2026.

Visit official website to apply.