The Union for African Population Studies (UAPS) is delighted to announce the first cohort of AfRes-Data Early Career Researcher (ECR) Fellows, a landmark step in advancing research excellence on the continent.

This inaugural group brings together PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows (within three years of completing their PhDs) from diverse African institutions and disciplines. They represent the next generation of scholars committed to producing high-quality, policy-relevant research to address Africa’s demographic and development challenges.

About the Fellowship

The AfRes-Data ECR Fellowship is designed to:

  • Strengthen research capacity through advanced training in methods, data analysis, and scientific writing.
  • Provide mentorship and peer support, ensuring fellows are guided by leading experts while building collaborative networks.
  • Support research dissemination, including journal publications, conference participation, and policy briefs that connect evidence to action.

What Awaits the Fellows

This inaugural cohort will engage in a blend of in-person and virtual workshops, followed by a six-month mentorship program. They will gain research skills, expand professional networks, and foster collaborations that extend beyond the fellowship.

Together, they will begin the expansion of a vibrant community of early career researchers committed to advancing Africa’s development through evidence-based research.

A Catalyst for Impact

By investing in this pioneering cohort, UAPS is building a pipeline of African researchers who will shape the future of population studies. These fellows are not only enhancing their own scholarly work, but they are also contributing to a stronger, more connected research community across the continent.

We congratulate the first AfRes-Data Fellows on their selection and look forward to sharing their achievements as they generate evidence, inform policy, and strengthen Africa’s voice in global research.

Click here to read more about each fellow.