Apply Now: Africa-Europe Innovation Platform Opens Applications for AEIP Scholars Programme 2026–2027
ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Applications are now open for the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) Scholars Programme 2026–2027, offering emerging researchers from Africa and Europe a unique opportunity to collaborate on innovative research that addresses pressing societal and developmental challenges.
The programme is designed to strengthen scientific cooperation between the two continents by connecting early-career researchers with complementary expertise to co-create practical, solution-oriented research. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and international networking, the initiative aims to transform academic research into innovations capable of delivering real-world impact.
The AEIP Scholars Programme is part of broader efforts under the AU–EU Innovation Agenda to deepen research partnerships, promote knowledge exchange, and accelerate innovation that contributes to sustainable development across Africa and Europe.
About the AEIP Scholars Programme
The Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) Scholars Programme is a collaborative research initiative that brings together talented scholars from Africa and Europe to work on innovative projects that respond to shared global challenges.
Rather than supporting research in isolation, the programme encourages participants to build cross-continental partnerships that combine diverse expertise, perspectives, and experiences. Scholars will work in pairs, developing collaborative research outputs while exploring ways to translate academic findings into practical solutions that can benefit communities, industries, and policymakers.
The programme recognizes that many of today’s challenges—including climate change, public health, food security, digital transformation, sustainable development, and social inclusion—require international collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches. By connecting researchers across continents, the initiative seeks to strengthen long-term scientific partnerships while fostering innovation that creates measurable social and economic impact.
Programme Benefits
Selected scholars will gain access to a range of professional development and networking opportunities designed to strengthen both their research and career prospects.
Benefits include:
- Opportunities to collaborate with researchers from Africa and Europe.
- Participation in interdisciplinary and cross-continental research projects.
- Training in research impact, innovation, and science communication.
- Peer learning opportunities with scholars from diverse academic backgrounds.
- International networking with researchers, innovation experts, and development stakeholders.
- Increased visibility within the Africa-Europe research and innovation ecosystem.
- The opportunity to present research findings at the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting in Europe in June 2027.
Beyond these benefits, participants will become part of a growing network of researchers committed to advancing evidence-based solutions that address development priorities across both continents.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to emerging scholars and early-career researchers who are passionate about using research to solve real-world problems.
Eligible applicants include:
- Emerging scholars.
- Early-career researchers.
- PhD candidates.
- Postdoctoral researchers.
- Researchers affiliated with recognized academic or research institutions in Africa or Europe.
Applicants should already have an existing research project, thesis, dissertation, or area of study that aligns with innovation and addresses societal or developmental challenges relevant to the AU–EU Innovation Agenda.
Researchers from diverse academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided their work demonstrates the potential to generate practical solutions with meaningful impact.
Programme Focus
The AEIP Scholars Programme emphasizes collaborative, solution-driven research rather than purely theoretical studies.
Selected participants will work in cross-continental scholar pairs to:
- Develop collaborative research outputs.
- Translate academic research into practical innovations.
- Strengthen scientific cooperation between Africa and Europe.
- Promote innovation with measurable real-world impact.
- Develop solutions that benefit communities, women, young people, institutions, and society at large.
The programme encourages scholars to think beyond traditional academic publications by identifying pathways through which research findings can influence policy, support innovation, strengthen institutions, or improve livelihoods.
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a competitive review process designed to identify researchers with strong academic potential and innovative ideas.
Submissions will be assessed based on several key criteria, including:
- Originality and quality of the proposed research.
- Academic excellence.
- Innovation potential.
- Practical relevance of the research.
- Potential social and developmental impact.
- Alignment with the objectives of the AU–EU Innovation Agenda.
Following the evaluation process, the highest-performing scholar pairs will be selected to participate in the programme.
The top three scholar pairs will also receive an opportunity to present their collaborative research during the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting scheduled to take place in Europe in June 2027, providing valuable international exposure and opportunities to engage with policymakers, researchers, and innovation stakeholders.
Why This Programme Matters
Collaboration has become increasingly important in addressing the complex challenges facing societies across Africa and Europe. Issues such as climate change, food security, public health, digital transformation, and sustainable economic development require innovative solutions that draw upon expertise from different disciplines and regions.
The AEIP Scholars Programme reflects this growing recognition by creating opportunities for young researchers to collaborate across borders while transforming research into practical solutions that can benefit communities.
For many early-career researchers, access to international collaborations, mentorship, and visibility remains limited. The programme helps bridge this gap by providing a platform where scholars can strengthen their research capacity, build professional networks, and contribute to projects capable of influencing policy and development outcomes.
It also supports the broader objectives of the AU–EU Innovation Agenda, which seeks to strengthen scientific cooperation, encourage knowledge exchange, and promote innovation that contributes to sustainable development on both continents.
By investing in emerging researchers today, the programme aims to cultivate a new generation of innovators capable of addressing future global challenges through collaborative research and evidence-based solutions.
Application Deadline
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Late submissions may not be considered.
How to Apply
Eligible researchers can learn more about the programme requirements and submit their expression of interest through the official Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) Scholars Programme application portal.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the programme guidelines before submitting their applications and ensure that all required information is completed before the deadline.
As Africa and Europe continue to strengthen scientific cooperation, the AEIP Scholars Program 2026–2027 presents an important opportunity for emerging researchers to build international partnerships, expand their professional networks, and transform innovative research into practical solutions that create lasting impact across both continents.
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