Apply Now for the Remote SACEMA’s 2026 Policy Modelling Fellowship

Building Data-Driven Health Policy in Africa

Organization : The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA)

Location : Remote (within Sub-Saharan Africa) with visits to South Africa

Duration : 10 months (February – November 2026)

Start Date : February 2, 2026 | Application Deadline : December 1, 2025

About SACEMA

The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA) , based at Stellenbosch University , is a leading research hub dedicated to improving public health across Africa through mathematical and statistical modelling. SACEMA’s multidisciplinary team—spanning mathematics, epidemiology, biology, physics, public health, and data science—works at the intersection of research and policy, providing analytical insights that guide real-world health decisions.

By partnering with African ministries of health, research institutions, and international organizations, SACEMA aims to strengthen the continent’s capacity for evidence-based epidemic preparedness and response .

Fellowship Overview

The Policy Modelling Fellowship (PMF) offers a transformative 10-month opportunity for mid-career professionals and researchers to apply epidemiological modelling to real-world health policy challenges. The 2026 fellowship will focus on measles and / or polio , two critical vaccine-preventable diseases that remain public health priorities in many African countries.

Fellows will work closely with SACEMA mentors and national health authorities to develop actionable modelling insights that directly inform policy decisions. Each fellow will concentrate on a country-specific case, optimizing vaccination strategies and estimating immunity levels to strengthen national disease control efforts.

This fellowship bridges the gap between technical modelling and public health policy equipping participants to act as vital connectors between data, evidence, and decision-making.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Although Africa is home to growing expertise in data science and epidemiology, there remains a shortage of policy-focused disease modellers . Effective prevention and control of infectious diseases require professionals who can interpret data, engage directly with health ministries, and translate modelling outputs into policy-relevant recommendations.

Through the Policy Modelling Fellowship, SACEMA seeks to build capacity among African public health professionals to use modelling as a tool for planning, evaluating, and communicating epidemic control strategies. The program prioritizes participants who already have or can develop working relationships with national Ministries of Health, ensuring that the outputs are both locally relevant and practically implementable.

Fellowship Structure and Activities

The 10-month fellowship is structured to combine remote mentorship, in-person training, and applied research , culminating in a policy dissemination event within each fellow’s home country.

Key components include :

1. Data Acquisition and Preparation (Remote, by March 2026)

• Obtain sub-national vaccination and incidence data for measles or polio through the Ministry of Health.
• Work with ministry “champions” to facilitate data sharing and stakeholder engagement.

2. Technical and Analytical Training (March–August 2026)

3. Policy Engagement and Applied Modelling (April–September 2026)

4. Dissemination and Impact (October–November 2026)

Indicative Timeline

Activity

Modality

Timing

Contracts, initial policy question drafting Remote by mid-March 2026

Data acquisition (vaccination and incidence data) Remote by mid-March 2026

Preparatory training courses Remote by end-April 2026

Needs assessments and stakeholder meetings Remote by end-April 2026

MMED Workshop In-person, Cape Town mid-June 2026 (2 weeks)

Immunity estimation and modelling training In-person, Stellenbosch July–August 2026 (4–6 weeks)

Policy brief development Remote August–October 2026

Final presentation and policy outputs In-person, Stellenbosch October 2026 (2 weeks)

In-country dissemination meeting In-person, led by Fellow by end-November 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Required Qualifications

Recommended Experience

Application Process

Applications must include the following materials :

Submit your application via the SACEMA online portal (link available on the official SACEMA website).

Application Deadline : December 1, 2025

Shortlisting Notification : December 15, 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a brief technical exercise evaluating programming, data analysis, and communication skills.

The Policy Modelling Fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop the next generation of policy-oriented modellers in Africa. By combining hands‑on data analysis, mentorship, and direct engagement with health policymakers, the program empowers fellows to turn evidence into action—building stronger, data‑driven health systems across the continent.

Disclaimer : Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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