Global Ragon-Africa Scholars Program (GRASP)

About GRASP

The Ragon Institute brings together exceptional minds across disciplines to develop innovative solutions for combating disease worldwide. Our mission extends beyond our site in Cambridge as we address the disproportionate health challenges facing vulnerable populations worldwide.Global health is a pillar of our research and outreach, and the Ragon International programs reflect our longstanding commitment to health equity around the world.

At the heart of Ragon International are three core principles: cutting-edge research, meaningful international collaboration, and capacity strengthening. For almost three decades, we’ve partnered with communities in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province to address HIV, tuberculosis, reproductive health, and emerging threats like COVID-19, while also supporting the next generation of African scientists.

We’re now proud to announce our newest initiative: the Global Ragon-Africa Scholars Program (GRASP), generously supported by the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation.

GRASP offers promising Ragon-based researchers the valuable opportunity to engage directly with colleagues in Africa by providing scholarships of up to $5,000 for travel and seed funding.The program is open to graduate students, post–doctoral fellows, research scientists, and administrative staff who are currently affiliated with the Ragon Institute. Eligible applicants must be interested in learning about African-led studies in their expert areas and engaging in collaborative projects. The program is open to funding travel to any African research sites that have an existing collaboration with Ragon Institute faculty. However, we will prioritize those in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Scholars will gain firsthand experience with pressing health challenges, develop meaningful cross-continental partnerships, and return with enriched perspectives that enhance their research practices.

This program is ideal for emerging researchers from all academic backgrounds who are passionate about health research aligned with the Ragon Institute’s mission. Whether exploring global health for the first time or seeking to advance existing international work, we invite forward-thinking academics to join us in shaping a healthier future for all.

Explore This Opportunity

Learn More

Timeline and Application Details

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The 2025-26 application cycle is now open, and you can apply below. If you have questions about this program or would like more info, please email Eyerusalem Tesfaye Alemu, [email protected].

Grants are awarded based on the trip’s potential impact on the applicant’s career trajectory, the applicant’s standing in their current work, and the opportunity for a mutually enriching experience for both the awardee and their African partners.

Each application will be reviewed by a committee of scientists based at the HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP), Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), and Ragon Institute.

Apply Here

Important Notes

• Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis

• Our review timeframe is approximately 4 weeks; please factor this into your planning

• Funds must be used for the approved purposes of the grant only

• All funds will be processed through Ragon Institute. A detailed budget and budget justification outlining how the funds will be spent needs to be submitted with the application

• Funds can support air travel and other costs, including but not limited to housing, ground transport, fees, and visas

• Grant recipients are required to submit a two-page report at the end of their GRASP travel (using the provided template below) and at least one relevant photograph documenting their trip*. Africa-based collaborators will also be asked to provide feedback

By accepting the grant, awardees permit the Ragon Institute of MGB, MIT, and Harvard, VWCF, and affiliates to use trip reports and media for publicity and marketing purposes.

• Support from GRASP should be acknowledged in any subsequent publications or presentations derived from this award. Please use this wording: “Funding support was provided by GRASP, which is generously supported by the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation and administered by the Ragon Institute of MGB, MIT, and Harvard”

• Please note that an individual can only be awarded one grant

Education and Outreach

The Office of Education and Outreach supports the Institute’s mission by offering programs such as RISE and PRISM to students from the Greater Boston community — setting a foundation for the next generation of researchers.

Learn More

Career Opportunities

Whether you are an early-career scientist looking for the next step in your career, or a seasoned administrative professional — The Ragon is committed to bringing the best and brightest together.

Learn More