AEIP Scholars Programme 2026-2027: Application Process

If you're a young researcher looking to work across continents, tackle shared global challenges, and build lasting academic partnerships, the AEIP Scholars Programme 2026-2027 is worth a close look. 

Launched by the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP), an initiative funded by the European Union, this programme pairs emerging African and European scholars to collaborate on practical, solution driven research.

What is the AEIP Scholars Programme?

The AEIP Scholars Programme is a collaborative research impact initiative that brings African and European scholars together to advance joint research and strengthen Africa-Europe cooperation. 

The programme supports peer learning, research and innovation, and science communication, while encouraging scholars to address shared global challenges through knowledge exchange and practical solutions.

Rather than funding solo research, the programme is structured around pairing: ten scholars will be selected and matched into five Africa-Europe scholar pairs, with each pair collaborating on a joint research activity and developing a collaborative research output. 

Following evaluation, the top three scholar pairs will be selected as finalists and invited to present their work at the AEIP Stakeholders Event in June 2027.

The programme is anchored in the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, specifically its "Capacities for Science" pillar, which focuses on strengthening research and higher learning ties between the two continents.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following:

• Aged between 25 and 35

• Based in Africa or Europe

• Enrolled in PhDs, Post Docs, or further studies at the time of application

• Have ongoing or completed research projects, theses or dissertations aligned with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda Capacities for Science Action

How the Selection and Programme Process Works

The AEIP has laid out a clear timeline:

Once paired, each pair will collaborate to develop a solution based study addressing challenges relevant to both Africa and Europe, and each scholar pair will design a practical, solution orientated innovation derived from their research, which is reviewed by a panel of experts and presented through a pitching process.

Selection criteria for applications:

• Relevance

• Academic quality

• Innovation potential

• Alignment with Africa-Europe cooperation priorities

Criteria used later to judge the joint solutions:

• Impact on women and youth

• Potential to strengthen people, communities, and institutions

• Strength of the solution model

• Technologically driven approach

• Feasibility and realism

What Winners Get

The top three scholar pairs will be selected based on evaluation scores, recognised for presenting impactful and scalable solutions, and sponsored to showcase their collaborative outputs at the final AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in Europe in June 2027.

Beyond that, all participating scholars gain international collaboration experience, exposure to the AU-EU innovation ecosystem, and a concrete joint research output for their portfolios.

How to Apply

Applicants apply by submitting an Expression of Interest, including a research abstract, through the official AEIP application form:

• Application link: https://www.research.net/r/AEIPSP26

• Programme page: https://www.africaeuropeinnovation.net/scholars-programme/

For questions, AEIP asks applicants to email them and mention "Scholars Programme" in the subject line (contact details are listed on the official programme page above).