Africa Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization
The AMBSO Impact Research Initiative seeks to identify, fund, and accelerate innovative early-stage research, proof of concept projects, and emerging ideas with the potential to generate high-impact evidence, transformative scientific discoveries and scalable solutions to priority health challenges. The initiative supports bold and innovative ideas from researchers, academic institutions, community-based organizations, and other eligible entities whose work can directly inform policy, strengthen health systems and programs, improve population health outcomes, and reduce health risks.
By investing in pilot studies, the initiative aims to generate actionable evidence that informs effective interventions, advances scientific knowledge, and translates research findings into practical solutions that improve the health and well-being of populations across Africa. To maximize the number of promising ideas supported, applicants are encouraged to request only the funds necessary to implement their proposed projects.
Given the anticipated high volume of applications, the selection committee will also consider the likelihood that projects could secure support from other funding sources or leverage AMBSO’s established in-house research infrastructure to enhance feasibility, efficiency and impact.
Priority will be given to applications focusing on the following tracks, and specified research areas under each track, where applicable.
Track 1: Infectious diseases and global health security:
i) Antimicrobial resistance (AMR),
ii) Epidemic preparedness and response, iii) One health concepts to address high risk health challenges, including highly fatal outbreaks.
Track 2: Applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in one of the following:
i) AI for health care (diagnostics and disease prediction),
ii) Digital health technologies and mobile health (mHealth).
Track 3: HIV/AIDS epidemiological research: Integration and evaluation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention.
Track 4: Climate change and Health: Effects of extreme weather events on disease transmission, adaptation and resilience strategies.
Track 5: Cancer research
Track 6: Maternal, child and adolescent health
Track 7: Non-communicable diseases:
i) Mental health,
ii) Interaction between infectious diseases and NCDs (e.g. HIV and cardiovascular disease)
Track 9: Health aging and Health
Under this funding cycle, grants of up to USD 10,000 will be awarded to each successful high-impact pilot research project, with no minimum funding threshold.
The funding will support direct research-related activities, including protocol development, regulatory and ethical approval processes, data collection, community engagements, technical support from program investigators and data management.
Grants awarded under this initiative will be implemented over a period not exceeding 18 months. Funding is provided exclusively for the approved project period.
AMBSO does not offer continuation or renewal funding beyond the grant term; therefore, applicants should ensure that all proposed activities, deliverables, and project objectives can be completed within the funded implementation period.
i) Concept notes will be received on a rolling basis using the AMBSO’s EOI application template.
ii) This is competitive funding opportunity, with successful projects selected and awarded annually.
iii) Successful proposals will demonstrate: High impact potential, with findings that can lead to larger research projects and interventions.
iv) Evidence based rationale and clear pathway towards generating practical and
sustainable solutions to improve health outcomes and informing policy.
v) Feasibility for project implementation, including consideration of local health systems, resources, and operational realities.
vi) A well-defined cost-sharing plan for projects whose total budget exceeds the
maximum funding amount available under this initiative.
This funding opportunity is open to eligible researchers, academic institutions, and research organizations. Doctoral students are encouraged to apply as part of a research team led by a faculty Principal Investigator.
The AMBSO Impact Research Initiative welcomes applications from diverse disciplines and sectors whose work aligns with the initiative’s goal of generating high-impact evidence and innovative solutions to address priority public health challenges.
Applications from for-profit entities, political organizations, lobbying groups, or
organizations whose primary purpose is political advocacy are not eligible for consideration under this funding initiative.
All applicants must demonstrate that their proposed research is consistent with the objectives of the initiative and is intended to generate knowledge that can inform policy, strengthen health programs, and improve population health outcomes.
Please note that this funding opportunity does not support indirect costs (overhead) or institutional administrative fees.
All requested funds must be allocated exclusively to direct project costs.
Applicants from universities, colleges, and other academic institutions, including doctoral students, are encouraged to consult their institutional grants offices regarding the management of project-related administrative expenses within the scope of allowable direct costs.
i. General information:
Applicants must submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) using the prescribed EOI
application form available here. All applications must be completed and submitted in English.
Given the anticipated high volume of inquiries and the limited size of the grants administration team, we may experience delays in providing timely response to each applicant’s question/queries.
ii. Required attachments:
2.1 Budget:
All applicants must submit a detailed project budget using the prescribed Budget
template. Applications should include a budget narrative that clearly justifies all
major budget line Items and demonstrates how the requested resources are
necessary for the successful implementation of the proposed research project.
2.2 Resume of key personnel;
All applicants must attach resume of principal investigator, key investigators and
personnel.
3. How to apply, review process and providing feedback:
Submit your expression of interest (EOI) via the AMBSO grants application portal /opportunities/grants by 18:00 EAT on 2nd October, 2026.
For any queries, please contact us via email at grantsupport@ambso.org, or by phone at +256702152559.
We will begin to review applications shortly after submission and select successful applicants shortly after the closing date. If you don’t receive feedback by date of notification of successful applicants, please consider your application unsuccessful.
