The Africa London Nagasaki (ALN) Scholarship Fund (also called the African London Nagasaki Scholarship) was a scholarship programme that supported African scientists pursuing a Master’s degree relevant to the control of infectious diseases in Africa.

It was established around 2010 by Professor Brian Greenwood (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine / LSHTM) using the honorarium from the first Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize (awarded in 2008 for his malaria and infectious disease research). It was a collaboration between LSHTM in London, UK, and the Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) / School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health at Nagasaki University in Japan.

Key details (when active)

  • What it funded: An MSc (or Master of Tropical Medicine) at either LSHTM (residential or distance-learning options) or Nagasaki University, focused on subjects relevant to infectious disease control in Africa/developing world.
  • Award value: Up to a maximum of US$50,000 per scholar to cover tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
  • Number of awards: Typically 4–5 per year.
  • Duration of the fund: Operated roughly 2010–2018 (some sources mention up to around 2021 in secondary listings); the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize Impact Report 2025 states the programme ran from 2010 to 2024, receiving ~6,200 applications, awarding 37 scholarships, with 34 recipients successfully completing their master’s degrees.

Eligibility (typical criteria)

  • African nationality and normally resident in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Fluent in English (IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson Test of English if needed, to a high standard matching visa requirements).
  • For LSHTM: First or upper second-class BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant science area + usually at least 2 years’ prior research experience in infectious diseases (medical degree not essential).
  • For Nagasaki: Medical qualification (e.g., MB ChB or equivalent) + at least 2 years of clinical experience after graduation.
  • Support from the head of the applicant’s institution.
  • Priority often given to candidates early in their scientific careers.
  • Awards were conditional on meeting the host university’s entry requirements and receiving an offer.

Applicants registered on the (now-defunct) official site and applied there first; they were advised not to apply directly to the universities until awarded a scholarship.

Field(s) of Study:

  • Clinical Trials
  • Control of Infectious Diseases
  • Demography & Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Global Health Policy
  • Global Mental Health
  • Health Policy Planning & Financing
  • Immunology of Infectious Diseases
  • Infectious Disease
  • Medical Entomology for Disease Control
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Medical Parasitology

Level(s) of Study:

Master’s Degree

Related current opportunities

LSHTM and Nagasaki University continue a strong partnership. There is an ongoing LSHTM–Nagasaki University Joint PhD Programme in Global Health. It offers places (approximately 5 per year) with research grants (up to JPY 2,000,000 per year for the supervisory team for the first 2 years, possibly extendable) and living-cost stipends for the top-scoring students (at least JPY 200,000 per month for the first 2 years, possibly extendable the same rate whether based in London or Nagasaki). Tuition fees still apply and are not fully covered by the base package. Check the LSHTM website for the latest application details, deadlines, and eligibility (it is open to international applicants, including from Africa).

Other LSHTM funding opportunities for African/sub-Saharan applicants (e.g., related to infectious diseases, epidemiology, or clinical trials) may also be available search the LSHTM scholarships and funding pages for current schemes.

For historical context or confirmation of past awards, official sources include the original LSHTM announcement and the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize materials from Japan’s Cabinet Office. If you are looking for current master’s or PhD funding in infectious diseases/global health for African scientists, let me know more details (e.g., preferred location, level of study, or field) and I can help point to active alternatives.