Applications close 14 October 2026 at 23:59 East Africa Time (EAT). Kenya’s National Research Fund and regional science partners invite eligible researchers and institutions to propose projects strengthening vaccine research, regulatory systems, public confidence and delivery in East and West Africa. This call is for research and innovation capacity, not general organizational running costs.
Funding and deadline
- Programme: CONNECT-VAX collaborative vaccine research
- Lead agencies: Kenya NRF, Uganda UNCST, Tanzania COSTECH and Sierra Leone NSTIC-SL
- Total advertised grant allocation: US$1,191,351
- Large collaborative grants: up to seven awards, each up to US$156,750
- Early-career research grants: up to two awards, each up to US$47,000
- Project length: up to 36 months
- Deadline: 14 October 2026, 23:59 EAT
Four research priorities
The programme highlights vaccine research and development capacity; regulatory harmonization; vaccine acceptance and public trust; and resilient delivery systems. Examples include manufacturing and technology transfer, trial coordination and safety surveillance, community engagement and risk communication, and cold-chain, digital-health or last-mile delivery challenges.
Who should apply?
Researchers and eligible institutions should examine the detailed call document for institutional affiliations, country participation, team composition, collaboration rules, and early-career definitions. A public-health NGO may be relevant as a research or community-engagement partner where permitted, but should not assume that every NGO can lead an application.
How to apply
Start with the official NRF CONNECT-VAX announcement and downloadable call. The listed application system is UNCST NRIMS. Review the full eligibility and attachments before starting an online submission; budget enough time for partners to approve the research design and complete their information.
Submission-readiness checklist
A credible application should make the research question and comparative advantage specific, explain how each partner contributes, show feasible methods and milestones, and identify research ethics and data-protection arrangements where relevant. Confirm whether the proposed costs fit the chosen award type. The Africads Grant Funding Toolkit</a can help identify evidence and budget gaps before submission.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last submission date?
14 October 2026 at 23:59 EAT, as stated by NRF-Kenya.
How much can a collaborative team request?
Up to US$156,750 per large collaborative grant, according to the call summary.
Are early-career awards available?
Yes, up to two grants of up to US$47,000 each; applicants must check the official criteria.
Does CONNECT-VAX fund vaccine delivery research?
Yes. Vaccine delivery systems, including last-mile, cold-chain and related resilience, are a programme priority.
Where should applications be submitted?
The NRF notice links applicants to the Uganda UNCST NRIMS portal. Follow the current call’s instructions.
Conclusion
CONNECT-VAX offers a timely route for eligible, research-ready teams able to address practical vaccine challenges across the participating regions. With the deadline approaching, verify consortium eligibility and submission requirements on the NRF source page immediately. For new verified opportunities, join Africads Grant News.
Last reviewed: 10 October 2026. Refer to the official call for updates.
