Introducing the 2026 Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship recipients

Following a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, the MRF is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships (SJMS) for doctoral study in the United Kingdom. This year we celebrate two outstanding Mandela Rhodes Scholars, Francisca Timothy (Nigeria & Stellenbosch University, 2023) and Ulemu Kanyongolo (Malawi & University of Cape Town, 2023), who will both be heading to the UK to embark on the next step of their academic journey.

Francisca plans to complete a DPhil in Biochemistry at the University of Oxford. This PhD will investigate how the body's immune cells, particularly macrophages, detect and eliminate invading microorganisms and why this process sometimes fails, allowing infections to persist. Francisca’s research will ensure relevance to African health realities by utilising local clinical isolates and patient-derived immune cells to better reflect regional disease patterns.

Ulemu plans to complete a PhD in Law at Durham University. This PhD will investigate ways to reimagine Malawi’s legal response to Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA). The research will examine how patriarchal structures and colonial perceptions shaped Malawi’s legal response, whether current frameworks protect affected women, what their lived experiences reveal and how feminist and decolonial approaches can improve legal protections.

Their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to creating positive change for Africa embody the values of the Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships, and we look forward to following their journeys as they embark on this next chapter.

We wish Francisca and Ulemu every success as they continue their important work respectively, pursuing research that will deepen understanding and drive meaningful change for generations to come.

About the Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships

The Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships, formerly known as the Leverhulme Mandela Rhodes Doctoral Scholarship, underwent a name change in 2020. Following a rigorous selection process and final interviews, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) recommends two Mandela Rhodes Alumni to The Leverhulme Trust in London. The Leverhulme Trust then funds doctoral studies at recognised UK institutions of higher learning. This exclusive opportunity is available only to MRF alumni, adding significant value to the Mandela Rhodes experience. We extend our sincere gratitude to The Leverhulme Trust for their ongoing support, which empowers our exceptionally talented young academics to advance their leadership and academic endeavours.