The African STARS Fellowship Programme is a collaborative initiative by the Mastercard Foundation, Stellenbosch University, and the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, aiming to empower the next generation of health leaders in Africa. With an initial investment of US$9 million, the program seeks to enhance African expertise in genomics, diagnostics, and vaccine development, thereby strengthening the continent’s capacity to respond to epidemics and pandemics.
Over the next three years, the first phase of the program will support 131 fellows, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity—60% of the positions are reserved for young women, addressing gender disparities in science and technology fields.
The fellowship offers four distinct training pathways:
- Advanced and Translational Training (ATT): A 4-6 month intensive program focusing on advanced genomics for public health analysis, genomic diagnostic design, and vaccine manufacturing.
- Young Professional Programme (YPP): A 12-month program emphasizing biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship, including placements in commercial companies, industries, or innovation hubs.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Health Care Leadership: A 2-year course designed for professionals aiming to understand governance principles and healthcare challenges.
- Master in Bioinformatics of Infectious Diseases (MSc): A 2-year program aiming to produce graduates equipped with bioinformatics and research skills, positioning them as future innovators and leaders in infectious disease research.
Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University, emphasized the program’s significance: “We noticed during the pandemic that if we don’t focus on solutions for African diseases, almost no one will.”
For a comprehensive overview, watch the introduction video by Prof. Tulio de Oliveira:
