STEM Research Fellowship
Our year-long STEM Research Fellowship gives emerging researchers rigorous research training, sustained mentorship and the opportunity to develop an original research project.
Learn more about the STEM Research FellowshipBuilding the research talent Africa needs for an evidence-driven future
Africa’s future will be shaped by decisions about emerging technologies, a changing climate and persistent health challenges. Those decisions need rigorous research and evidence grounded in African realities.
YARA identifies promising researchers early and gives them rigorous training and sustained mentorship to produce evidence that can inform policy and strengthen institutions.
Learn about YARAOur work
Our Key Areas of Focus
YARA concentrates its research and programmes in three areas where stronger local evidence and research capacity will shape consequential decisions across the continent.
Artificial Intelligence
Useful AI depends on the data, methods and institutions around it. YARA focuses on locally grounded data, AI that can work in resource-constrained settings, and the governance and safeguards needed for responsible use.
Climate
A changing climate is reshaping food systems, water, weather patterns, oceans and livelihoods. YARA supports research that strengthens understanding, adaptation and resilience.
Public Health
Health outcomes are shaped by disease, environmental exposure and the systems responsible for prevention and care. YARA supports research that strengthens prevention, detection and health-system resilience.
Research
Brianna is investigating who is most at risk of lead exposure.
In Kintampo, Ghana, Brianna Ama Nyarkowaa Donkoh is analysing blood lead levels alongside factors such as age, occupation, water source and household practices to understand how exposure differs across population groups.
Her research could help identify which groups should be prioritised for lead-exposure prevention and further investigation.
Explore public health researchMeet the inaugural Fellows
Meet the researchers beginning YARA’s first Fellowship year.
Ten emerging researchers are pursuing original work across artificial intelligence, climate and public health, supported by structured training and sustained mentorship.
- Benjamin Ekow AttabraArtificial Intelligence
- Essel-Biney Nana Benyin Eboe NyamekyeArtificial Intelligence
- McGovern Twumasi Owusu-BekoeArtificial Intelligence
- Ruth Biney SeniorArtificial Intelligence
- Solomon TuahClimate
- Lord Selase NukporfeClimate
- Brianna Ama Nyarkowaa DonkohPublic Health
- Linda Akosua EssilfiePublic Health
- Character Dzorgbenyuie Aku ForfoePublic Health
- Samuel LarbiPublic Health
Programmes
AI, Ethics & Climate Governance Fellowship
As artificial intelligence and climate technologies advance, new questions are emerging about how they should be governed, who benefits and how their risks are managed. This fellowship brings emerging researchers and practitioners into those questions.
Learn more about the AI, Ethics & Climate Governance Fellowship
Symposium 2026
A year of research, brought into public view.
On 30 September 2026, YARA’s inaugural Fellows will present the research they have developed over the past year at the Google AI Community Center in Accra.
Through oral presentations and poster sessions, Fellows will share their work with researchers, universities, public institutions, industry and funders, opening it to critique, collaboration and new pathways for use. The Symposium will also recognise outstanding research from the inaugural cohort.
30 September 2026 · 9:00 AM–5:00 PM GMT · Accra
Stories
Spotlight
Ampe-DB: When a Ghanaian Game Becomes Research Data
Ruth Biney Senior is helping turn one of Ghana’s best-known traditional games into data that can be studied, modelled and preserved.
Her work on Ampe-DB documents paired movement during gameplay, opening new questions about how African movement, culture and interaction can be represented in computational research.
Read Ruth’s storyPartners
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Work with an emerging researcher as they develop and pursue an original question.
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Updates from YARA
Research, programmes, opportunities and news from the annual YARA Research Symposium.