Join Our Network
Become part of a transformative community that drives innovation and collaboration across Africa.
Welcome
Join the SPARK Africa community!
Any African scientist residing in Africa is welcome to become a member of SPARK Africa, provided their participation in our annual general meeting. Upon attending the SPARK Africa annual meeting and paying the annual membership fee, individuals are granted membership for a renewable five-year term. During this period, SPARKees, have access to our resources, including funding opportunities, our OpenLab facilities, specialized training, and mentorship programs. African scientists in the diaspora are also encouraged to join the initiative, provided they have attended at least one SPARK Africa general meeting.
100
Members from diverse backgrounds and expertise.
16
Countries represented in our vibrant community.
Join
Become a SPARK Member
Empowering the next generation of scientists.
Member
Students
This category includes Master’s and PhD students engaged in translational research. SPARK provides opportunities for students across all applied sciences disciplines in African universities.
Member
Mentors & Advisors
Access resources and networking opportunities.
Member
Emerging Scientist
This category is designed for postdoctoral scientists, medical doctors, and research assistants or associates at African research institutions involved in translational research.
Member
Individual Members
This category is for established or experienced scientists conducting translational research, holding an active grant of over $100K during their membership period, and mentoring younger members.
Fees
Membership Technical Details
Duration
05 Years
Annual Fees/Year
100$
Description
Reside in Africa
Conducting translational research
Have an active grant of >100K at any time of their memberships with an additional 01 year
Mentor and teach young members
Benefits
Eligible for USD 100k grant
Networking
Webinars
Access to the CoEs
Access to the SPARK Africa Open Lab
Duration
05 Years
Annual Fees/Year
500$
Description
See Article VII
Benefits
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Eligible to use the SPARK model
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Access to key resources
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Duration
05 Years
Annual Fees/Year
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25$ Students
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50$ Emerging Scientists
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100$ Full Individual
Description
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Reside out of Africa
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Conducting translational research
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Students and emerging scientists residing out of Africa
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Have attended a SPARK annual meeting at a SPARK Global program near them
Benefits
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Eligible for USD 50k grant If returning to Africa
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SPARK Africa Training materials
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Webinars
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Access to the CoEs
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Access to the SPARK Africa Open Lab
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Duration
05 Years
Annual Fees/Year
50$
Description
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Reside in Africa
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Conduct translational research
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Postdoctoral scientists
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Medical doctors
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Research assistant or associate at an African research institution
Benefits
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Eligible for USD 50k grant
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Training materials
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Mentorship (eg. Transition in science: major or minor shifts)
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Networking (Member of international academic associations or societies AAS, OWSD, ASTMH...)
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Webinars
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Access to the CoEs
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Access to the SPARK Africa Open Lab
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Duration
02-05 Years
Annual Fees/Year
25$
Description
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Reside in Africa
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Conduct translational research
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Master or PhD students
Benefits
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Personal growth (CVs, resume…)
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Career development (career after PhD, type of grants, Member of a national academic association or societies ZAS, CAS)
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Access to the CoEs via USD 10-20K mobility grants (Intra-Africa mobilities grants to address a particular objective of the project)
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What's included
Membership Categories and Benefits
Students
· Professional Growth: Support in drafting compelling CVs, resumes, and motivation letters; membership in national academic associations or societies (e.g., Nigerian Academy of Sciences).
· Mentorship: Guidance on career development post-PhD.
· Funding: Access to intra-Africa mobility grants through our Open Labs or Centers of Excellence to achieve specific project objectives. MSc/PhD thesis topics can encompass diverse aspects of developing innovative solutions.
Emerging Scientists
· Training: Education on grant writing, product discovery and development (drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices, e-health), and insights into regulations, intellectual property, and the business aspects of scientific discoveries.
· Networking: Access to international academic associations or societies and global hubs such as AAS, GCADA, and others.
· Mentorship and Advisory Support: Assistance with scientific transitions (e.g., major or minor career/project shifts). SPARK provides tailored guidance through monthly meetings with multidisciplinary teams, with participants signing NDAs/CDAs. Regular project updates are shared with mentors, who offer feedback and advice at every stage of development.
· Funding: Eligible for seed funding to de-risk translational projects.a
Individual Members
· Training: Contributing to the education of emerging scientists and students by sharing success stories.
· Networking: Access to international academic associations or societies and global hubs such as AAS, GCADA, and others.
· Funding: Eligible for funding to de-risk translational projects.
Mentors and Advisors
· Providing feedback and guidance to project teams.
· Assisting in the selection of new projects.
· Connecting project teams with potential partners, investors, and collaborators.
· Supporting the SPARK Africa Management Committee
Get in touch
We welcome your interest in becoming a member.