The Carnegie Corporation of New York has awarded the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health a $900,000 grant focused on biosecurity. This significant investment will support a groundbreaking three-year initiative that will catalyze a sustainable biological threat reduction policy program for rising African decision-makers and develop a pipeline of experts in Africa to lead and implement it.

In Summer 2026, the Brown University Pandemic Center – in collaboration and consultation with global change-making and normative organizations, including but not limited to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS) – is launching a new fellowship opportunity for mid-career professionals in Africa. 

The fellowship is aimed at supporting operational placements and deeper education & training to support the next generation of African biosecurity leaders to develop and implement bio threat reduction policies and/or protocols in Africa, in working collaboration with host organizations like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science, BWC Implementation Support Unit, the Africa CDC, through its Biosafety and Biosecurity Initiative, and others.

Addressing a Growing Global Risk

Biological risks are on the rise globally, including those posed by deliberate and accidental events. Emerging technologies are essential for countering biological threats but simultaneously increase the likelihood and impact of biological misuse. As new tools that can enable the development of designer pathogens become more accessible and the future of threat reduction programs becomes more uncertain, the need for robust threat reduction safeguards and policies has never been more urgent. Across the African continent a sustainable, locally-led approach to biological threat reduction is essential for long-term peace and security.

Through this program, the Brown Pandemic Center will work with international partners to catalyze a sustainable pipeline of rising African leaders in biosecurity policy and practice, as well as visible support for biological threat reduction policies, practices, and innovations in partnership with African institutions to reduce the threat of deliberate and accidental biological events. 

Fellowship Goals and Objectives 

These postgraduate, including post-doctoral, rising leaders will launch work that focuses on the introduction of threat reduction policies and protocols in Africa, including:

• Enhancing BWC compliance and incentivize confidence building measures by identifying and replicating ongoing exemplary practices of those few countries that do well in this space; and
• Catalyzing the development and execution of policies aimed at reducing risks posed by life sciences dual use research of concern and other emerging technology risks such as the misuse of AI-assisted biotechnology and the creation of mirror life.

Embedded in Partnership 

The Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship will be implemented by the Brown University Pandemic Center, in partnership with collaborating institutions focused on biological threat reduction and related solutions. The fellows will each embed within operational roles to develop and implement bio threat reduction policies and/or protocols in Africa, in working collaboration with host organizations like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science (IBBIS), the BWC Implementation Support Unit, the Africa CDC, through its Biosafety and Biosecurity Initiative, and others. Each fellow will have a pre-defined policy focus area on a specific element of bio threat reduction policy on the Continent. 

Fellowship Criteria and Selection Process 

• Selections: In 2026, at least 5 fellows will be selected, with a possibility for additional placements. Applicants must have graduated from a graduate institution and should have at least 5 years of post-graduate training or professional experience in a field related to health security.
• Expectations: Each fellow will be expected to work up to 50% time, negotiated with the fellows’ home academic institution and/or employer. The fellowship is not a full-time opportunity, rather, it is intended to provide an in-depth experience for fellows as part of an operational project team.
• Partner Institutions: Each fellow’s project will be conducted in collaboration with a partner institution. The project will be focused on a specific aspect of improving biosecurity, biosafety, and/or pandemic preparedness and response.
• Mentorship: Fellows will receive mentorship from faculty and staff at the Brown Pandemic Center, as well as the partner institution in which the fellow is placed.
• Stipend and Travel Support: A stipend will be provided for each selected fellow in the amount of $30,000 (USD). There is a potential for travel to conferences and visits to their partner institutions, to be discussed among the fellow and their placement host. 

Fellowship Duration

This fellowship will begin on September 1, 2026 and run through August 31, 2027.

Application Requirements 

This fellowship is currently open for early- to mid-career professionals in Africa with at least 5 years of post-graduate experience. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to the commitment of the Pandemic Center and University. Accordingly, the Pandemic Center seeks qualified candidates who can contribute to equity, diversity and inclusion through service, mentorship, teaching and scholarship. Applicants must have graduated from a graduate institution and should have at least 5 years of post-graduate training or professional experience in a field related to health security.

Applicants should submit the application materials via Brown’s application platform https://apply.interfolio.com/182841 by no later than 11:59 p.m. (eastern) on March 30, 2026: 

• A Resume or Curriculum Vitae (no more than 5 pages)
• A Statement of Interest
  • Length: No more than 1,500 words
  • Prompt: Please describe your interest in biological threat reduction policy and how this course aligns with your academic training, professional goals, and commitment to strengthening biosecurity, biosafety, and policy capacity in Africa.
  • Please also address the following policy questions:
    • What do you see as the most pressing biological threat facing your country, region, and/or the world and why?
    • How can scientific expertise be better integrated into biological threat reduction policymaking in Africa?
    • Describe a situation where science and policy were misaligned for biological threat reduction. What could have improved the outcome?
• Please submit a short video statement of no more than 2 minutes
  • Prompt: Why do you want to participate in this biological threat reduction course (and, if applicable, fellowship)? How will you use this training in your future?
• Supervisor/Academic Endorsement
  • This would be required if the nominee selects that they also want to participate in the fellowship, since we are requiring a 50% time commitment
  • A statement from your employer or academic institution supporting your use of up to 50% time to participate in and travel for the fellowship
  • Confirms availability and institutional support

Selection Process 

Successful candidates will be interviewed virtually, beginning in late April, 2026, and all applicants will be notified of final selections by no later than May 15, 2026.