Catalyst Grants 2026
SHARPER consortium is pleased to announce a Call for Applications for the 2026 Catalyst Grants. These awards are designed to identify, support, and accelerate innovative, high-impact ideas led by early-career African researchers advancing epidemic and pandemic sciences.
Grant Overview
SHARPER consortium is pleased to announce a Call for Applications for the 2026 Catalyst Grants. These awards are designed to identify, support, and accelerate innovative, high-impact ideas led by early-career African researchers advancing epidemic and pandemic sciences.
The Catalyst Grants provide seed funding of $15,000 over a 6 Months period to enable early-career researchers to develop and test bold ideas that could reshape how Africa prepares for and responds to epidemics and pandemics. Up to 8 awards will be made in the 2026 cohort.
Selected grantees will receive not only financial support but also access to SHARPER's mentorship networks, technical working groups, and consortium-wide knowledge platforms — equipping them with the resources to translate promising research into actionable public health solutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Target Applicant Profile
Early-career researcher (within 7 years or equivalent research qualification; or a mid-level research officer/scientist transitioning to independence).
African Institutional Affiliation
Affiliated with an African academic, research, public health, or industry institution.
Relevant Research Area
Working in any area relevant to epidemic and pandemic sciences, including but not limited to:
- Health systems resilience
- Social and behavioural aspects of epidemic preparedness
- Ethical and human rights perspectives in pandemic preparedness
- Dissemination and uptake of health research
- Community-centred preparedness and response
- Decolonial perspectives on health systems strengthening in Africa
- Outbreak analytics and modelling
- One Health and Environmental determinants
- Clinical or operational research
- Diagnostics, surveillance, or laboratory systems
Application Timeline
Call for Proposals Opens
August 2026
Application Submission Deadline
30th September 2026
Technical Review Period
30th September 2026
Notification of Outcome
October 1, 2026
Budget Guidance
Applicants must ensure all costs are directly related to the proposed research activities and are justified in the budget narrative. The total budget must not exceed $15,000 USD over the 6-month period.
| Expense Category | Allowable Costs | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel | PI salary (portion), research assistants, data collectors. | 40% of Total |
| Equipment | Laboratory hardware, specialized software, cold chain tech. | 25% of Total |
| Fieldwork | Travel within Africa, participant compensation, local lodging. | 20% of Total |
| Indirect Costs | Institutional overhead, utilities, administrative support. | 15% Max |
Expected Deliverables
Progress Reports
Mid-term and final technical and financial reports submitted online.
Scientific Output
Peer-reviewed publications, pilot findings, or working papers.
Policy Briefs
Translating research into actionable insights for health ministries.
Training Materials
Workshop modules for capacity building at host institution.
Need help with your application?
Our grants management team is available to assist with technical queries or eligibility questions.
Catalyst Grants 2026
Early-career researcher (within 7 years years or equivalent research qualification; or a mid-level research officer/scientist transitioning to independence).
Required Documents
- Research Proposal (PDF)
- Detailed Budget (XLSX)
- Institutional Support Letter
- PI & Co-PI CVs (Max 3 pages)
- Ethical Approval Plan
Application Templates
Common Questions
No, lead applicants may only submit one proposal per funding cycle as Principal Investigator.
Co-funding is not mandatory, but in-kind contributions from host institutions are highly welcomed.
Proposals undergo two-stage double-blind peer review by international subject experts.