The Enhancing Humanities Research in Africa (EHURA) programme, an initiative of the African Humanities Association (AHA) and supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, invites applications for the 2025/2026 Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards. The fellowships aim to build research capacity, foster innovation, and strengthen networks of African scholars engaged in advancing the humanities and related disciplines across the continent. They offer targeted support to early-career scholars pursuing postdoctoral studies, with particular emphasis on qualitative research methodologies in the humanities. Proposals that explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and African narratives, or that creatively engage emerging technologies in the interpretation, preservation, and dissemination of African knowledge systems, are especially encouraged.

Eligibility

  • The Fellowship is open to:
  • Early-career faculty based in Africa.
  • Scholars who hold a PhD awarded not more than five (5) years prior to the application deadline.
  • Researchers conducting studies in the Humanities and related Social Sciences.
  • Candidates who demonstrate strong academic potential, originality, and a commitment to contribute to knowledge production in Africa.

Fellowship Benefits

  • Successful Fellows will receive:
  • Research grant support of USD12,000 to cover research expenses, including data collection, fieldwork or writing support.
  • Access to mentorship and capacity building workshops organised by EHURA and AHA.
  • Participation in EHURA/AHA scholarly networks and conferences, promoting collaborative engagement and peer exchange.
  • Opportunities for publication and dissemination of findings through the AHA Book Series and Journal

Duration of Fellowship

The Fellowship will run for a period of nine (9) months from March to November 2026

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

  • Cover letter (max. 250-300 words).
  • Research proposal (max. 2000 words) outlining objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and timelines
  • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting publications and research experience.
  • Two academic reference letters, one of which must be from the applicant’s PhD supervisor.

Timeline

  • Call Opens: October 10, 2025
  • Deadline for Applications: December 1, 2025
  • Notification of Results: January 19, 2026
  • Fellowship Commencement: March 1, 2026

Submission Guidelines

  • Applications should be submitted electronically to: fellowships@africanhumanitiesassociation.org
  • with the subject line: EHURA Postdoctoral Fellowship Application – [Applicant’s Full Name]. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact for Enquiries

  • For further information please contact:
  • The EHURA Secretariat
  • African Humanities Association
  • Website: https://africanhumanitiesassociation.org/
  • Email: fellowships@africanhumanitiesassociation.org