Rigour
Science & technology
Make herbal-medicine practice more effective and efficient by weaving scientific research and modern technology into every stage of the process.
❦ Specimen No. 01 — An initiative of Ebenage Herbal Production & Consult
A grant and grooming programme for researchers whose work gives Africa's living botanical tradition the rigour of modern science.
Submissions close in —
Why the award exists
The continent's herbal heritage is vast, but too little of it has been carried into the language of evidence — the dosages, the trials, the standardisation that let a remedy travel from a compound to a clinic. The Hepa Plus Research Award exists to close that gap, one researcher and one study at a time.
We recognise, fund and mentor the next generation of researchers — turning their work into real value for Africa's pharmaceutical industry, and into sustainable livelihoods for their communities.
What we set out to do
Make herbal-medicine practice more effective and efficient by weaving scientific research and modern technology into every stage of the process.
Make researchers genuinely valuable to Africa's pharmaceutical industry through rigorous, standardised and applicable research.
Groom researchers to create sustainable jobs, easing poverty and unemployment across the communities they come from.
From proposal to practice
Submit a research proposal or completed study aligned with our objectives.
A panel of practitioners and scientists weighs each entry for rigour, safety and impact.
Outstanding researchers receive the award, recognition and research funding.
Awardees are mentored to turn research into products, partnerships and jobs.
Two ways to be recognised
Our flagship is the Undergraduate Award — where a first serious study can change the course of a career. A Postgraduate track is opening alongside it.
The heart of the programme
Undergraduate researchers carry fresh questions and fearless curiosity, but rarely the funding, equipment or mentorship a serious study needs. The Undergraduate Award is built precisely for that moment — the first time your work can be more than a class requirement and become genuine, citable research.
We look for studies that make herbal practice safer, more standardised or more commercially viable. If your idea has legs, we help it walk: funding to run the work properly, a scientist-practitioner mentor at your side, and a clear path toward publishing, partnership or product.
Who can apply
Researchers enrolled in herbal / traditional medicine programmes at an African institution.
Recent graduates whose research advances evidence-based herbal medicine.
Work focused on safety, efficacy, standardisation or technology in herbal medicine.
Research with clear potential to benefit industry or create jobs.
What you gain
Research funding to take your work further.
Recognition as a Hepa Plus Research Award laureate.
Mentorship from experienced practitioners and scientists.
A pathway into the pharmaceutical industry and entrepreneurship support.
Specimen intake sheet
Tell us who you are and what you want to study. Fields marked * are required. Take your time with the proposal — it's the part we read most closely.
Now accepting submissions
Submissions close in
Applications close on Friday 23 October 2026. The proposal is the part we read most closely, so start early.
Already applied? Check your application status with the code we emailed you.
If your research can make herbal practice safer, smarter and more sustainable, we want to hear from you. Reach out and we'll walk you through it.