🎓 Pauline Bakibinga Memorial Scholarship 2026 Call for Applications

  • Deadline: October 28, 2026
  • Kenya

Established in 2022 by the African Population and Health Research Center ( APHRC), this scholarship honors the memory of Dr. Pauline Bakibinga—a visionary research scientist, leader, and mentor passionate about transforming African health systems through digital innovations.

đź’° Award Details

  • Funding: USD $5,000 – $10,000 to cover master’s research project expenses (excludes tuition)
  • Tenure: non-repayable, one-time grant
  • A promising female student residing in East Africa and registered at an African University, to assist with research project costs (not tuition) toward a master’s degree program that focuses on digital health. A maximum of USD 10,000 will be awarded each year between 2024 and 2028.

âś… Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Demographics: Female East African resident enrolled at an African university.
  2. Academic Status: Holds a bachelor’s degree and is admitted to a master’s program in public health (or a related field).
  3. Research Focus: Approved master’s research proposal centered on digital health innovations.

Institutional Research Ethics Board (IRB) approval or proof of submission is strongly preferred. Applicants affiliated with Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) or Busoga Health Forum are encouraged to apply.

đź“© Application Process

Complete the application in two mandatory steps by October 28, 2026:

  1. Online Survey: Complete the short preliminary survey (click here)

  2. PDF Application Packet: Email a single compiled PDF to pbscholarships@aphrc.org (Subject line: Pauline Bakibinga Memorial Scholarship) containing:

  3. Statement of Purpose: Motivation essay (max 500 words).

  4. Recommendations: Two letters (max 1 page each; one must be from an academic supervisor).

  5. Academic Records: Transcripts and degree certificates.

  6. Proof of Admission: Official acceptance into an eligible master’s program.

Note: Incomplete applications or submissions received after October 28, 2026, will not be considered.

🔍 Selection & Timeline

Applications are evaluated by the Scholarship Committee based on academic merit, relevant experience, and commitment to digital health. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, and final award decisions will be communicated via email within one month.

🌟 About Dr. Pauline Bakibinga

Dr. Pauline Bakibinga was an extraordinary research scientist, visionary leader, and dedicated mentor whose work transformed community health systems across Africa. After earning her PhD from the University of Bergen, she joined the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) in 2013 as a postdoctoral fellow. She advanced to Associate Research Scientist and was ultimately appointed Head of the Health Systems Strengthening Research Unit in May 2022.

At the intersection of healthcare and mobile technology, Pauline pioneered digital health solutions designed to serve vulnerable populations. Her work led to life-saving digital tools that helped community health workers identify and refer critically ill newborns and new mothers for timely care, as well as policy frameworks for telehealth across multiple African countries. Over her career, she published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers, raised over $7 million in research funding, and was awarded the inaugural Tumani Corrah Award for Research Excellence in Africa.

Beyond her academic brilliance, Pauline was an exceptional mentor. She invested deeply in early-career researchers at APHRC and built strong global networks, particularly with her alma mater, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Uganda. Colleagues remember her as a vibrant, witty, and organized force—an early riser who brought immense energy, warmth, and faith to every space she entered.

This scholarship carries forward her passion for mentorship, digital health innovation, and empowering the next generation of African women in science.

“Empowering the next generation of women researchers to transform African health systems through digital innovation.”

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.