Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship 2027

Eligible areas include:

1. Biological and biomedical sciences.

2. Earth and environmental sciences.

3. Engineering.

4. Physical sciences.

5. Mathematics.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed research falls within the programme's eligible scientific scope and does not fall within any stated exclusions.

Fellowship Structure and Duration

The fellowship is a two-year programme.

The programme is divided between research and professional development activities at the University of Michigan and activities undertaken in Africa.

Fellows:

1. Spend approximately 12 months in residence at the University of Michigan.

2. Spend approximately 12 months in Africa carrying out research and/or training activities.

3. Develop AI-enabled approaches to their scientific or engineering research.

4. Participate in research and professional development activities.

5. Build collaborations with researchers at the University of Michigan.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows receive:

1. An annual stipend of US$35,000.

2. Medical insurance during the University of Michigan residence period.

3. Support for research and professional development.

4. AI-enabled research training and experience.

5. Approximately 12 months of residential research experience at the University of Michigan.

6. The opportunity to conduct research and/or training activities in Africa.

7. Opportunities to develop long-term collaborations with University of Michigan researchers.

8. The opportunity to strengthen the use of artificial intelligence in scientific and engineering research.

The fellowship therefore combines financial support, advanced research exposure, AI training and international research collaboration.

Application Process

The application process takes place in phases.

Phase 1:

1. Review the scientific scope and eligibility requirements of the programme.

2. Identify an important scientific or engineering research problem suitable for AI-enabled investigation.

3. Develop a clear research vision or proposal.

4. Identify the relevant scientific domain.

5. Prepare the required research statement, CV and supporting documents.

6. Complete and submit the Phase 1 application before the deadline.

Phase 2:

7. Applicants selected to proceed to the next stage will be invited to complete the Phase 2 application.

8. Prepare any additional materials requested during the second stage.

9. Submit the Phase 2 application and required materials before the Phase 2 deadline.

10. Monitor the official application channels for further information about the selection process.

What Applicants Should Prepare

Applicants should begin preparing their applications early.

Materials may include:

1. Curriculum vitae.

2. Research statement or research vision.

3. Description of the proposed scientific or engineering research problem.

4. Explanation of how artificial intelligence methodologies will be applied.

5. Information about previous research experience and achievements.

6. Supporting academic and professional information.

7. Any additional documents required by the fellowship application.

Applicants should ensure that their research proposal clearly explains both the scientific importance of the problem and the value of applying AI methodologies to address it.

What Makes a Strong Research Proposal?

A strong proposal should demonstrate a meaningful connection between artificial intelligence and an important scientific or engineering research question.

Applicants should clearly explain:

1. The scientific or engineering problem being addressed.

2. Why the problem is important.

3. The research approach that will be used.

4. How AI methodologies will contribute to the research.

5. The applicant's existing research expertise.

6. The potential scientific contribution of the proposed work.

7. How the fellowship will strengthen the applicant's long-term research capacity.

Application Deadlines

The programme uses a two-phase application process.

Phase 1 deadline: 5 October 2026

Phase 2 deadline: 23 November 2026

Applicants should complete each stage before the applicable deadline and allow sufficient time to prepare and submit the required materials.

Important Information

1. The fellowship is intended for African university faculty members and equivalent researchers.

2. Applicants should have a strong scientific or engineering research background.

3. The proposed research must meaningfully apply AI methodologies.

4. Eligible research areas include biological and biomedical science, earth and environmental science, engineering, physical science and mathematics, subject to programme exclusions.

5. The fellowship lasts for two years.

6. Fellows spend approximately 12 months at the University of Michigan and approximately 12 months in Africa.

7. The annual stipend is US$35,000.

8. Medical insurance is provided during the University of Michigan residence period.

9. The application process has two phases.

10. Applicants must complete the relevant application stage before its deadline.

11. Applicants should carefully review the current programme requirements and scientific exclusions before applying.

Why Apply?

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship provides African researchers with an opportunity to strengthen their ability to use artificial intelligence in scientific and engineering research.

The programme combines financial support, research training, international collaboration and residential research experience at the University of Michigan.

For researchers seeking to integrate AI into their existing scientific research, the fellowship can provide an opportunity to develop new research capabilities while establishing long-term collaborations with researchers in an international academic environment.

Final Note

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science African Faculty Fellowship is designed for African faculty members and equivalent researchers who want to use artificial intelligence to address important scientific and engineering questions.

Applicants should begin preparing early, particularly because the programme involves a two-phase application process and requires a clear research vision.

The Phase 1 application deadline is 5 October 2026, while the Phase 2 deadline is 23 November 2026.

Applicants should carefully review the official fellowship information for the latest eligibility requirements, scientific scope, application instructions and submission requirements before applying.

The official fellowship information and application instructions can be accessed through the Apply Now button on this page.