The Training Initiative for Modelling Epidemic Response in Africa (TIMERA) has opened applications for a Short-Term Training Fellowship designed to strengthen Africa’s capacity in infectious disease modelling, epidemic preparedness and data-driven public health decision-making. Funded through EDCTP3, TIMERA will train approximately 50 African public health professionals through three sequential cohorts during the 2026–2029 project period. The fellowship combines online learning, intensive face-to-face training, remote mentoring, thematic workshops, group work, supervised practical experience and an evidence-generation phase. The programme is particularly relevant to professionals working in epidemiology, public health, infectious diseases, health research and related fields who want to develop advanced modelling capabilities that can be applied within African institutions. The application deadline is 15 October 2026, with the first face-to-face training block scheduled for 23 November to 4 December 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. What Is the TIMERA Fellowship? TIMERA is an EDCTP3-funded fellowship programme focused on developing infectious disease modelling capacity among African public health professionals. The programme responds to the need for greater modelling expertise within Africa, particularly for supporting public health event detection, outbreak preparedness, scenario planning and evidence-based response. Approximately 50 fellows will participate across three cohorts over the project’s 2026–2029 implementation period. Rather than being a short classroom course, TIMERA follows a 12-month blended learning model. Fellows will move through different stages of training and practical development, combining structured instruction with mentorship and evidence generation. What Does the 12-Month Programme Include? The fellowship is structured around several interconnected components designed to help participants develop both theoretical knowledge and practical modelling skills. The programme includes: Preparation and online learning Two intensive face-to-face training blocks Remote specialised mentoring Group work and collaborative learning Thematic workshops Supervised internships or research activities An evidence-generation phase Training in infectious disease modelling Practical application of modelling to public health challenges This blended structure allows fellows to continue developing their skills beyond the face-to-face sessions and apply what they learn within their professional environments. The fellowship also includes specialised mentoring, with separate mentorship for modelling and infectious disease components. Financial and Practical Support TIMERA provides several forms of support connected to participation in the programme. Fellows receive: Travel support Accommodation during the intensive face-to-face training Meals during the face-to-face training periods Subsistence support for the relevant residential training periods A stipend associated with the research project or internship The programme therefore combines professional training with practical support intended to facilitate participation in the intensive in-person components. Applicants should review the official fellowship information for the precise terms and conditions associated with each form of support. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is designed for African public health professionals with postgraduate qualifications and professional experience. According to the application information provided, eligible applicants should have: A master’s degree in a related field. At least two years of post-master’s professional experience. Experience working in a sub-Saharan African organisation. Employer support confirming release time for fellowship activities. Confirmation of continued employment with their organisation. The employer-support requirement is important because TIMERA involves a year-long programme with face-to-face training, online activities, mentoring, group work and evidence-generation activities. Applicants should therefore discuss the opportunity with their employers and ensure they can meet the programme’s participation requirements before applying. What Skills Will Fellows Develop? The programme focuses on practical capabilities relevant to infectious disease preparedness and response. Training areas include epidemiological and infectious disease modelling, data-driven decision-making, scenario planning and the use of evidence to support public health responses. Participants can expect to develop skills relevant to: Infectious disease modelling Epidemiological analysis Public health event detection Outbreak preparedness Scenario planning Data-informed decision-making Research and evidence generation Application of modelling to real-world public health problems Through continuous mentoring, fellows can also receive guidance on applying technical knowledge to challenges encountered within their own institutions. First Face-to-Face Training in Addis Ababa The first face-to-face training block is scheduled for 23 November to 4 December 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The intensive two-week session forms part of the wider 12-month blended fellowship programme. Fellows should therefore be prepared to participate in both face-to-face and remote components throughout the programme. The fellowship’s blended approach is designed to combine intensive instruction with longer-term professional development rather than limiting learning to a single workshop. Why the Fellowship Matters for Africa Strong local expertise in infectious disease modelling can help public health institutions interpret epidemiological information, explore potential outbreak scenarios and support evidence-based planning. TIMERA seeks to contribute to this capacity by training African professionals who can apply advanced modelling approaches within their home institutions. The three-cohort structure will also create opportunities to expand the number of trained professionals over the 2026–2029 project period. For professionals already working in African public health systems, the fellowship can provide an opportunity to add specialised modelling skills to their existing epidemiological, research or disease-control experience. How to Apply for the TIMERA Fellowship Interested applicants should carefully review the official fellowship application requirements and confirm that they meet the academic, professional and employer-support criteria. The application deadline is 15 October 2026. Applicants should also prepare for the programme’s first face-to-face training, scheduled for 23 November to 4 December 2026 in Addis Ababa. Application: TIMERA Fellow Application Form For enquiries, applicants can contact timera@aau.edu.et. TIMERA Fellowship: Building Africa’s Epidemic Modelling Capacity The TIMERA Short-Term Training Fellowship offers a specialised 12-month professional development pathway for African public health professionals interested in infectious disease modelling and evidence-based epidemic response. With approximately 50 fellows expected to be trained across three cohorts between 2026 and 2029, the programme is structured to combine technical training, practical experience, mentoring and evidence generation. Professionals who hold a relevant master’s degree, have at least two years of post-master’s experience in a sub-Saharan African organisation and can secure employer support should review the opportunity before the 15 October 2026 deadline. The first cohort’s face-to-face training begins in Addis Ababa on 23 November 2026, making early preparation particularly important for eligible applicants. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Important: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organisation. This opportunity is shared for informational purposes based on the official announcement. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, application documents, deadline details and submission procedures directly with Umeå University before applying. GSO does not accept applications or CVs on behalf of applicants. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW