Call for Applications | Building Academic Capacity in mRNA Research for Human and Veterinary Health in Africa
Call for Applications | Building Academic Capacity in mRNA Research for Human and Veterinary Health in Africa
3-Day Residential Continental Training Programme
November 2026 | Africa CDC Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
About the Training
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), and regional partners is pleased to announce a continental training programme on mRNA Research for Human and Veterinary Health in Africa, scheduled for 3-5th November 2026 at the Africa CDC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Over recent years, Africa has made significant progress in establishing regional mRNA manufacturing capacity through initiatives led by global and regional partners. However, there remains a substantial gap in academic and translational research capacity related to RNA technologies across African universities and research institutions.
This training aims to strengthen foundational and applied understanding of mRNA technologies among African researchers and academic institutions, enabling them to initiate, expand, and sustain locally driven research programmes that support regional innovation, outbreak preparedness, and manufacturing ecosystems.
The programme will bring together participants from across Africa for an intensive three-day learning experience focused on RNA technologies, vaccine and therapeutic development, translational science, regulatory pathways, and outbreak preparedness.
Aim of the Training
The training seeks to build foundational and applied knowledge of mRNA technologies among African academic researchers and institutions to strengthen research, innovation, and translational capacity for RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics for human and veterinary health.
Training Objectives
The training will:
Strengthen academic and research capacity in RNA-based technologies across Africa.
Enhance understanding of mRNA, self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), and circular RNA (cRNA) platforms.
Improve knowledge of RNA design, production, delivery systems, and quality considerations.
Foster awareness of regulatory, safety, and pharmacovigilance considerations for RNA-based products.
Promote locally driven research and innovation aligned with African public health priorities.
Facilitate collaboration between researchers, manufacturers, regulators, and public health institutions.
Support the long-term sustainability of Africa’s mRNA manufacturing ecosystem.
Target Audience
The training is designed for:
Researchers and academic staff at African universities and research institutions
PhD students and postdoctoral fellows
Early-career scientists and biotechnology researchers
Researchers involved in Molecular biology; Vaccine development ; Biotechnology; Translational medicine ; Veterinary health research ; Therapeutics development; Genomics and bioinformatics.
Applicants should have a background in life sciences, particularly molecular biology or related disciplines. Prior experience with RNA technologies is not mandatory.
Learning Areas and Course Structure
The three-day training programme will cover the following thematic areas:
RNA Modalities and Design
Laboratory Production of RNA
Delivery Systems and Biological Response
Quality, Scale-Up, and Process Optimization
Applications and Platform Comparison
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
RNA Technologies in Outbreak Preparedness
Training Methodology
The course will combine: Expert lectures; Interactive discussions; Case studies; Group exercises; Research planning sessions; and Real-world examples from mRNA development programmes. The training will emphasize conceptual understanding, translational application, and research planning rather than laboratory-based practical work.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
Understand the principles underpinning RNA-based technologies
Design research questions related to RNA vaccines and therapeutics
Engage effectively with manufacturing, regulatory, and public health stakeholders
Contribute to regional innovation and outbreak preparedness initiatives
Strengthen academic programmes and collaborative research networks in Africa
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be citizens of an African Union Member State
Be affiliated with a recognized university, research institution, public health institution, or related organization
Demonstrate academic or professional interest in RNA technologies, vaccines, therapeutics, biotechnology, or molecular sciences
Be available to participate fully during the three-day training
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit:
Completed online application form
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Brief motivation statement (maximum 500 words) describing:
Current research interests
Motivation for participating
How the training aligns with future academic or professional goals
Letter of institutional support or recommendation
Selection Process
The participants will be selected based on:
Academic and professional background
Relevance of current work and research interests
Motivation and potential impact
Geographical and gender representation
Institutional diversity across Africa
Important Dates
Call for Applications Opens: 14 July 2026
Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
Notification of Selected Participants: 14 September 2026
Training Dates: 3-5 November 2026
Registration Link
Venue
Africa CDC Headquarters
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Download | PROSPECTUS – ENG
TELECHARGER | PROSPECTUS – FRE
Closing date
14 August 2026
Region
Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Northern Africa, Southern Africa, Western Africa
Country
Ethiopia
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