Data Science to Advance Women’s Health Fellowship 2026

Call for the Data Science to Advance Women’s Health Fellowship 2026 is open now !!!

Are you a passionate woman researcher committed to solving the critical, multifaceted women’s health challenges facing Africa? Applications are now open for the prestigious Data Science to Advance Women’s Health (DSAWH) Fellowship – 2026 Cohort. This is more than a training program; it’s a fully-funded, transformative 9-month experience designed to turn early-career women scientists into influential data leaders.

Through this fully-funded fellowship, 20 exceptional early-career women researchers from Eastern and Southern Africa will join a vibrant, supportive community of innovators, mentors and leaders advancing the frontiers of women’s health using cutting-edge data science. This fellowship is more than just academic training; it’s an unparalleled opportunity to grow professionally, gain global exposure and contribute directly to solving real-world health challenges that critically affect women across the continent. Fellows benefit from personalized, one-on-one mentorship from renowned global experts and will leave the program with strengthened technical capacity, published research and a professional network that lasts well beyond the fellowship.

This nine-month intensive program, generously funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation offers comprehensive support. Participants receive advanced mentoring and rigorous, expert-led training in modern data science methodologies, including statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization. This is complemented by specialized instruction in scientific writing and research communication. The core dedication includes hands-on support to refine, submit and publish their first-authored research papers with the program covering open-access publication fees to ensure maximum research visibility.

The selected fellows will utilize the deep expertise and connections gained to significantly advance their careers, successfully publish in prestigious scientific journals and become influential data leaders driving evidence-based solutions in women’s health across Africa. It is a direct investment in the future of African women’s health. It aims to equip women researchers from Eastern and Southern Africa with the cutting-edge technical skills, expansive professional networks and publication support required to make a tangible, evidence-based impact in global health research. A key benefit is the comprehensive support to refine, submit and publish a first-authored research paper with the program covering all open-access publication fees to ensure maximum research visibility and impact.

This fellowship is an opportunity to grow professionally, gain global exposure and contribute directly to solving real-world challenges that critically affect women across the continent. Fellows will leave the program with strengthened technical capacity, published research and a professional network that lasts well beyond the nine months.