We are pleased to launch our Seed Funding Scheme, designed to support innovative, early-stage research in kidney disease and genomics.

This scheme offers awards of up to £10,000 to enable researchers to generate pilot data, test novel ideas, and strengthen future grant applications. We particularly encourage proposals that advance understanding of kidney disease in African populations, foster collaboration, and contribute to capacity building across the continent.

Application Criteria

  • The call is open to all researchers based in Africa, including postdoctoral researchers, clinicians, and early- to mid-career investigators.
  • Funded projects should be feasible within a short timeframe (typically up to 12 months) and demonstrate clear potential for scientific, clinical, or public health impact.
  • This seed funding aims to catalyse new research directions, support emerging researchers, and build a strong foundation for larger-scale studies in kidney genomics.

Application Form

Applications are now open.
The deadline to submit your completed application, including the project proposal, sponsor letter, and supervisor letter, is 23:59 GMT on 10 July 2026.

Please read the Application Guidelines and the FAQ below before submitting your application. If you have questions, please email seedfunding@kidneygenafrica.org.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KidneyGenAfrica Seed Funding Grant?

The KidneyGenAfrica Seed Funding Grant provides awards of up to £10,000 to support early-career researchers conducting innovative research in the genetics of kidney disease. The funding is intended to help researchers generate pilot data, explore new ideas, and strengthen applications for larger future funding opportunities.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:
-Be based in Africa
-Be affiliated with a higher education institution, research institute, healthcare organisation, NGO, or not-for-profit organisation
-Have a PhD or equivalent post-graduate degree
-Have a sponsor from a KidneyGenAfrica partner institution (Center for Genomics Research and Innovation, Malawi Epidemiology & Intervention Research Unit, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Unit, or University of the Witwatersrand)
-Have a supervisor who will support the project

Applicants based at commercial organisations are not eligible.

Will my application be considered if I do not have a project sponsor?

No. Only applicants with sponsors will be considered.

What is the role of the project sponsor?

The sponsor supports the application by:
-Providing academic or technical guidance
-Supporting project feasibility
-Contributing to mentorship and capacity building where appropriate

Which institutions can act as sponsors?

Sponsors must be based at one of the following institutions:
-Center for Genomics Research and Innovation (CGRI), Nigeria
-Malawi Epidemiology & Intervention Research Unit (MEIRU)
-MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Unit
-University of the Witwatersrand

Please review the application guidelines for the project sponsor contact information at each institution.

Do I need both a sponsor and a supervisor?

Yes. Applicants must provide:
-A signed supervisor support letter
-A signed sponsor support letter

If the supervisor and sponsor are the same person, this should be clearly stated in the letter.

What types of projects are suitable?

Projects should:
-Focus on kidney disease, genomics, and/or African populations
-Be innovative and scientifically sound
-Be feasible within 18 months
-Generate pilot data or support future larger funding applications

How long can the project last?

Projects must be completed within 18 months.
Applicants should ensure that the proposed timeline is realistic and achievable.

How much funding can I request?

Applicants may request up to £10,000.
All costs must be listed and justified in British Pounds (£).

What costs can be included in the budget?

Eligible costs include:
-Consumables required for the project
-Data or computing access charges
-Travel costs necessary for the project (up to £1,000)

What costs are not allowed?

The grant does not cover:
-PI or staff salaries
-Institutional overheads or indirect costs

Is ethical approval required before applying?

No. Ethical approval is not required at the time of application. However, applicants must indicate whether ethics approval is needed and provide the current status (e.g. not started, pending, approved). Approval must be obtained before the project begins.

How will applications be assessed?

Applications will be assessed based on:
-Scientific quality and innovation
-Relevance to kidney disease genomics in African populations
-Feasibility within the proposed timeline and budget
-Potential for future impact and funding
-Alignment with KidneyGenAfrica priorities

Can I submit more than one application?

No. Applicants may only submit one application.

What is the deadline to submit my completed application?

Completed applications, including the project proposal, sponsor letter, and supervisor letter, must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on 10 July 2026.