The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA) at Stellenbosch University is now accepting applications for the 2026 Policy Modelling Fellowships. This highly regarded program builds capacity among Africa-based researchers by strengthening practical, data-driven disease modelling expertise.
SACEMA’s mission is to improve health outcomes across Africa by combining mathematics, statistics, public health, biology, physics, and epidemiology to understand disease dynamics and guide policy decisions. Fellows will gain hands-on experience developing models that inform national vaccination and epidemic response strategies.
Fellowship Focus: Measles and Polio Modelling
The 2026 Policy Modelling Fellowship focuses on measles and polio, two critical diseases where data-driven policy decisions can save lives. Over a 10-month period, fellows will receive technical training, mentorship, and support to generate evidence-based insights for vaccination program optimization and immunity estimation.
Fellows will work closely with ministries of health and other stakeholders to design models and translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Who Should Apply
This fellowship is ideal for professionals in quantitative or public health-related fields who are committed to improving health policy through modelling and analysis.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Academic or professional training in a quantitative discipline (e.g. mathematics, statistics, epidemiology, public health).
- An existing partnership or working relationship with Ministry of Health officials in their country.
- Access (or the ability to obtain access) to sub-national measles or polio data through national surveillance systems.
- Basic coding or data analysis experience.
- Availability to dedicate 8–10 hours per week from February to November 2026.
- Ability to travel to South Africa for approximately 6–8 weeks mid-2026 and 2 weeks in October 2026.
Women and individuals from underrepresented groups in mathematical modelling and data science are strongly encouraged to apply.
Recommended Skills
- Prior experience working with public health data.
- Knowledge of disease modelling or statistical analysis.
- Familiarity with computational modelling tools and programming languages.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected fellows will:
- Formulate country-specific policy questions related to measles or polio.
- Acquire relevant sub-national health data in collaboration with ministries.
- Apply modelling techniques to evaluate immunity levels and predict outbreak risks.
- Present evidence-based policy recommendations to decision-makers.
- Produce a final policy brief and deliver presentations to national stakeholders.
Training and Timeline
The fellowship combines remote learning, in-person workshops, and collaborative fieldwork.
Key Phases (Tentative):
- February–March 2026: Orientation, data acquisition, and policy question development (remote).
- April 2026: Preparatory training and stakeholder engagement (remote).
- June 2026: Two-week MMED Workshop in Cape Town.
- July–August 2026: In-person training in immunity estimation and modelling at SACEMA (4–6 weeks).
- August–October 2026: Remote policy brief development.
- October 2026: Final in-person visit to Stellenbosch to refine presentations.
- November 2026: In-country dissemination meetings with ministry officials.
Fellowship Benefits
- Fully funded travel, meals, and accommodation during training visits to South Africa.
- A generous stipend linked to fellowship milestones.
- Child-care support stipend may be available for in-person periods.
- Full coverage of training fees and workshop costs.
- Limited financial assistance for in-country dissemination activities.
Location and Duration
- Location: Remote (within Sub-Saharan Africa) with in-person sessions in South Africa.
- Duration: 10 months
- Start Date: 2 February 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
Application Materials
Applicants must submit:
- Comprehensive CV (maximum 3 pages).
- Letter of support or data-access plan from the Ministry of Health or relevant authority, outlining how data will be obtained and identifying a local champion.
- Institutional support letter from your employer confirming participation approval (or an explanation of how this will be secured).
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 15 December 2025 and invited to complete a skills assessment evaluating programming, data analysis, and communication proficiency.
Successful applicants will demonstrate strong quantitative reasoning, experience with public health data, and commitment to building collaborative relationships with national health ministries.
Slots are limited. Apply now
The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA) is based at Stellenbosch University and serves as a leading hub for infectious disease modelling and public health analytics across Africa. Through its partnerships and training programs, SACEMA builds the next generation of African modellers and evidence-based health policy leaders.
For more opportunities, click here.
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