Africa–Asia Bioscience Challenge Fund (AABCF)- Building the next generation of bioscience leaders

Africa–Asia Bioscience Challenge Fund (AABCF) - Building the next generation of bioscience leaders
Agriculture and food systems across Africa and Asia face mounting pressures from climate variability, rapid population growth, and emerging transboundary diseases. Addressing these complex challenges requires a new generation of scientists equipped with advanced bioscience skills, interdisciplinary perspectives, and strong cross-regional collaboration. The Africa–Asia Bioscience Challenge Fund (AABCF) responds to this need by strengthening scientific capacity and fostering long-term partnerships between the two south-south regions.

The Africa-Asia Biosciences Challenge Fund (AABCF) is a flagship capacity-strengthening initiative jointly implemented by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the University of Queensland (UQ), and the University of Melbourne (UoM), with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Building on the successful Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF) model, the initiative combines world-class scientific expertise, state-of-the-art laboratory platforms at the BecA–ILRI Hub, and a global network of mentors to empower early- and mid-career researchers in agricultural and livestock biosciences.

Fellowship model and scope
Through a competitive fellowship program, AABCF supports up to 18 scientists—three each from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. Fellows participate in a three-month research placement that integrates hands-on laboratory work, peer learning, mentoring, and capacity-building activities focused on climate-smart livestock production systems. Fellows are expected to apply their new skills to strengthen research and innovation within their home institutions.

Advancing collaboration and climate-resilient livestock systems
AABCF strengthens regional and inter-regional collaboration while accelerating problem-driven research in genomics, breeding, diagnostics, bioinformatics, and sustainable livestock systems. Complementary regional workshops in Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia further enhance technical and institutional capacity through applied learning, field visits, and cross-institutional exchange. Together, these efforts are building a vibrant Africa–Asia research community committed to advancing food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience.