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 completed their PhD within the last 5 years
-Have a sponsor from a KidneyGenAfrica partner institution
-Have a supervisor who will support the project

Applicants based at commercial organisations are not eligible.

Can I apply if I am more than 5 years post-PhD?

No. Applicants must have completed their PhD within the last 5 years at the time of application.

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

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.