Applications are welcomed for research proposals investigating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) aligned with AZ’s core therapy areas:

• Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism
• Respiratory & Immunology
• Vaccines and Immune Therapies
• Rare Disease

Research projects can address various aspects related to NCDs such as (but not exhaustively) epidemiology, disease progression, pathology, prevention or treatment.

Up to $20,000 is available per award to cover a project for up to 12-months. The award would be expected to cover all costs related to the research. AstraZeneca may share proprietary tools with successful applicants through data, compounds, technology or tools under a collaboration agreement. Where applicable, we may provide scientific support for the project, mentorship and guidance.

• The applicant, principal investigator (PI), must be a national of a sub-Saharan African (SSA) country based in an institution in SSA.
• Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree (PhD or MD) and a contract of employment from their host institution for the duration of the award.
• Applicants must be at an early stage of their research career -within five years of their highest postgraduate qualification (career breaks and extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration) and must not have received a research grant greater than $100,000).

There is no limit to the number of research applications from an institution, but applicants may only submit one application as lead PI.

Before submitting your application, please contact the team at openinnovation@astrazeneca.com to discuss the project and eligibility based on what AstraZeneca can share to support the project. Applications will be assessed against the following criteria by a scientific panel:

• Track record of the applicant
• Quality and feasibility of the research project
• Potential impact of the research project
• Impact of the project on the career development of the applicant and potential to lead to further funding
• Value for money