Process

1. Register

Click on the "Register" link and complete and submit the registration form.

2. Login

Login to the award with your email and password.

3. Create

Create your online application.

4. Save

During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section.

5. Submit

On completion, save your Application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.

If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Program Administrator.

LEA-WH Program Overview

The LEA-WH program is designed to address specific needs by focusing on the enhancement of scientific leadership and innovation. It aims to equip mid-career scientists and innovators with the skills necessary for leadership roles in women’s health research and development (R&D):

1. Priority Topics: Women’s health areas of interest include, but are not limited to: contraceptive technologies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other reproductive tract infections, including vaginal microbiome research, menstrual health, pelvic floor disorders (urogynecology and fistulae), fibroids, endometriosis, cervical cancer, menopause, and infertility.
2. Geographic Focus: Applications accepted only from African researchers and product developers/innovators working in Africa. Africa represents the region with the greatest capacity gap in Women’s Health Research & Development.(Note: The primary language of instruction for the fellowship is English.)
3. Fellowship Duration: A 12-month fellowship with on-site and online components.
4. Focus Areas: Research and product development/innovation, and leadership.
5. U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM): In addition to the training organized by KEMRI, the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM) will match each Scholar with a mentor and organize their travel to NAM and other events to expand their professional networks.
6. Gender Balance: Open to all genders working in Women’s Health (WH).

Scholar Selection Criteria

a) Common selection criteria for all tracks:

• Education Background:
  • Terminal degree with relevant training to support work in women’s health research or product development/innovation, with a minimum qualification of:
  • Bachelor’s Degree – for the Product Developers/Innovators Track (PD/I track)
  • Master’s Degree – for the Reproductive Health Researchers Track (RHR track)
• Professional Experience:
  • A minimum of 3–8 years of work experience post-terminal degree – PD/I track
  • A minimum of 10–15 years post-graduate work experience – RHR track
  • At least 2 years of demonstrated involvement in women's health research or product/innovation engagement (within the total post-graduate work experience)
• Innovation Development: A clear concept for a women’s health solution, research project, product, or innovation intended to be further developed during the program.
• Demographic and Geographic Focus: Individuals of African nationality currently working in Africa.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Institutional Support: Strong support from an institution or collaboration opportunities that can enhance the project’s impact and development.
• Relevant Fields of Expertise: Candidates from biotechnology, information technology, and other health-related fields are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the core criteria.

b) Track-specific criteria:

Reproductive Health Researchers Track (RHR Track):

• Established expertise in women's health research
• Three publications with at least one first-authored peer-reviewed publication in women's health, and the second and third as second or senior author
• Research independence plan showing transition from supervised to independent work
• Evidence of emerging leadership potential with supervision or service examples

Product Developers/Innovators Track (PD/I Track):

• Any professional background with a women's health innovation concept
• Demonstrated technical/business expertise relevant to product development
• Existing prototype, business plan, or development-stage women's health solution

c) Four-stage selection process:

1. Digital application portal with applications, including research/innovation proposals or product concept notes and institutional support. Applications will be received from 13th January to 20th February 2026.
2. Expert review panel assessment by an international panel of women's health experts constituted by KEMRI and NAM (shortlist top 35–40 candidates).
3. Video interview assessment from 30th March to 2nd April 2026 covering research/innovation expertise and leadership potential.
4. Final selection with regional diversity and gender balance considerations. Successful applicants will be contacted in April 2026.

LEA-WH Program: Faculty, Mentor, and Innovation Advisor Applications

The Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women’s Health (LEA-WH) Program invites applications from experienced professionals and researchers to serve as faculty, mentors, and innovation advisors in the upcoming inaugural LEA-WH Fellowship cycle starting in April 2026. The Mentorship Program is designed to provide technical and professional guidance to LEA-WH Fellows as they implement transformative research projects and innovative product development that address women’s health challenges in Africa.

Women’s Health Priority Areas

• Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFDs) – Urogynecology and Fistulae
• Contraceptive Technologies
• Menstrual Health
• Sexually Transmitted Infections and Other Reproductive Tract Infections, including vaginal microbiome research
• Uterine Leiomyomata (Fibroids)
• Cervical Cancer
• Menopause
• Infertility
• Endometriosis

Technical Expertise of Interest

• Leadership and Management in Health
• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Implementation Science
• Design Thinking
• Human-Centered Design

Purpose of the Training Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty training and mentorship aim to strengthen fellows’ leadership and research skills, enhance innovation capacity, and promote excellence in advancing women’s health. Mentors will play a vital role in guiding fellows to refine their research and innovation ideas, navigate technical challenges, and translate scientific findings into meaningful outcomes and products that improve women’s health and well-being.

Roles and Responsibilities

Faculty

• Facilitate lectures and specialized training based on fellows’ track
• Curriculum design and review
• Create synchronous and asynchronous learning materials
• Provide feedback for program refinement

Mentors

• Identify opportunities for fellows (e.g., innovation translation, grants)
• Provide 1-to-1 scheduled mentorship
• Connect fellows to funding opportunities
• Share professional networks
• Provide feedback for program refinement

Duration and Mode of Engagement

Faculty, mentors, and innovation advisors will be engaged for one (1) year, corresponding with the duration of the LEA-WH Fellowship Program.

Expected Level of Effort

Faculty

• Teach one thematic area aligned with expertise
• Weekly virtual lectures for up to 4 weeks per thematic area
• Up to 8 hours of lecture time per thematic area, depending on schedule

Mentors

• Virtual mentorship: Monthly meetings or as agreed between mentor and fellow
• In-person engagement: At least once annually during the fellowship convening
• Overall duration: Annual, renewable over the 3-year program

Eligibility Requirements

Faculty

Research & Development and Technical Areas

• Research and academic excellence
• Teaching and pedagogical competence
• Mentorship and capacity-building experience
• Alignment with program vision and values
• Institutional affiliation
• Leadership experience (PI, HoD, team lead, or mentor)
• Experience in innovation or entrepreneurship (desirable)
• Postgraduate degree (PhD, MD, DSc, or equivalent)
• Minimum 10–15 years of professional or research experience in women’s health or related biomedical sciences

Leadership

• At least 10 years of experience in leadership training
• Proven leadership practice (e.g., leadership coach)

Innovation

• Product-to-market experience for health products
• A background in women’s health (desirable)

Legal

• Patent experience across the continent (e.g., AUDA-NEPAD, CEO of AFLI)

Mentors

• Proven expertise and leadership in health research and innovation for women’s health
• At least 5 years of professional experience in a high-impact environment
• Demonstrated success in mentorship, coaching, or supervision
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to ethical leadership, inclusivity, and lifelong learning
• Availability to mentor 1–3 mentees throughout the program period (1 hour/month per mentee)