Funding
Call for Expressions of Interest: Hosting a GEN-IMPACT Sub-study within APCC Cohorts
Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026
Purpose
This Request for Expression of Interest (REOI is the first stage in the process of identifying cohort-embedded GEN-IMPACT sub-study concepts that can be implemented within APCC population cohorts. The REOI is intended to identify both APCC cohorts interested in hosting GEN-IMPACT sub-studies and African-led research teams, including human genomics researchers and consortia, wishing to collaborate with APCC cohorts to address locally and regionally relevant health questions.
The purpose of the REOI is to:
- Identify APCC cohorts, or cohorts applying for APCC membership, that are interested in hosting a GEN-IMPACT sub-study
- Identify African-led research teams or consortia with relevant genomics, population health, bioinformatics, clinical, epidemiological, ethical, or implementation expertise who wish to collaborate with APCC cohorts
- Understand the range of locally relevant health questions that can be addressed using APCC cohort populations, longitudinal follow-up, and linked phenotypic, environmental, clinical, and genomic data
- Assess cohort strengths, readiness, and infrastructure for implementing a genomics sub-study
- Assess the proposed collaboration between the applicant team and the cohort investigators responsible for the study population and data assets
- Inform prioritisation of populations, geographies, and topics during the GEN-IMPACT landscaping phase
- Help identify applicants who may be invited to submit a full application in the next stage
The REOI stage is intended to be concise and strategic rather than fully technical. Information submitted will be reviewed alongside the broader landscaping process, including expert input on African genomic priorities, cohort capabilities, and opportunities to address important gaps in available genomic data.
Submission Deadline: 14 August 2026, 1800HRS, East African Time (EAT)
The African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC), with support from the SFA Foundation, invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for cohort-embedded sub-studies under Genomics-led Impact on African Population Health (GEN-IMPACT), a five-year initiative to generate high-value African genomic data linked to phenotypic, environmental, and longitudinal population and health information.
Applications may be led by African institutions, research organisations, cohorts, or consortia, including human genomics researchers who are not currently part of APCC. However, all proposed sub-studies must be embedded within an APCC population cohort, or a cohort that has applied for APCC membership before submission. The sample population, participant data, and longitudinal follow-up must derive from the cohort, and applications led from outside the cohort network must include a named collaboration with the relevant cohort leadership or designated cohort investigators.
GEN-IMPACT will support sub-studies addressing locally relevant health priorities through harmonised phenotyping, biospecimen collection, and genomic analyses. Priority will be given to robust proposals that improve representation of historically under-sampled populations, address important health challenges, and demonstrate ethical implementation, responsible data sharing, equitable collaboration, and long-term capacity strengthening. Cohorts without existing genomics programmes are encouraged to participate where strong collaborative and implementation potential can be demonstrated.
Cohorts not currently APCC members but wishing to host a GEN-IMPACT sub-study should apply for APCC membership before REOI submission: https://bit.zy/2Byq8CB/.
The EOI is the first stage of a broader landscaping and prioritisation process to identify suitable research concepts, host cohorts, and collaborative teams. Applicants should submit responses through the Science for Africa Foundation’s Agaseke Grants Management System: https://23BWzy4xyZ. by 18h00 EAT on 14 August 2026.
An information webinar will be held at 13h00 EAT on 15 July 2026: http://bit.ly/3Kyq7LN. Queries should be directed to Tinofa Mutevedzi at [email protected].
Please click on the following link: GEN-IMPACT Request for Expression of Interest, to get the full REOI call document.