Research Network

Work on problems
that actually matter.

SAFE Labs is building a global network of researchers, analysts, and domain experts committed to rigorous, independent inquiry — across disciplines, across borders. If you have expertise and the drive to apply it to hard problems, we want to hear from you.

The Network

What membership looks like

This is not a mailing list. It is a working research community.

Real research, real output

Collaborate on active research projects — co-author papers, contribute data analysis, provide domain expertise, or lead independent inquiries under the SAFE Labs banner.

Cross-disciplinary problems

Our work spans AI governance, quantitative finance, public health systems, institutional economics, climate, and geopolitics. The best insights come from the intersections.

Independent. Rigorous. Open.

No institutional politics. No agenda beyond getting things right. Research is published openly, attributing all contributors. Your work, under your name.

African perspective, global platform

We are rooted in African institutions and realities — but publish for, and engage with, a global audience. Rare positioning for researchers who straddle both worlds.

Flexible contribution

You define your involvement. Peer review a draft, co-author a policy paper, contribute to a dataset, or lead a working group — based on your capacity and interests.

Access to partners and platforms

Connect with SAFE Labs' partner institutions, practitioners, and media network. Research does not stop at publication — we work to get findings into the right hands.

Who we're looking for

Experts across every domain.

We are not looking for a fixed profile. We are looking for people with deep knowledge in at least one domain, an instinct for rigorous thinking, and a willingness to work across conventional boundaries.

  • Academic researchers and PhD candidates
  • Quantitative analysts and financial economists
  • Data scientists and machine learning practitioners
  • Policy advisors and public sector specialists
  • Clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health professionals
  • Lawyers, governance experts, and institutional economists
  • Climate scientists, energy economists, and environmental researchers
  • Journalists and investigative researchers with analytical depth

All career stages welcome. Grad students to senior fellows.

Active domains
AI & Technology African Finance & Markets Governance & Institutions Health & Humanitarian Climate & Environmental Geopolitics & Trade
13+ Countries represented
6 Active research domains
Open Access publishing
The Process

What happens after you apply

  1. 01
    Application review

    We review every application personally — no automated filtering. We look at your domain, background, and research interests to understand where you might contribute.

  2. 02
    Introductory conversation

    If there is a good fit, Abdullah or a domain lead will reach out for a short conversation — typically 20–30 minutes — to discuss active projects and mutual interests.

  3. 03
    First contribution

    You choose your initial involvement — reviewing a draft, contributing to a live dataset, or joining a working group. No pressure to overcommit from day one.

  4. 04
    Network membership

    Active contributors are brought into the full network — access to working documents, draft papers, peer review channels, and the broader SAFE Labs community.

Apply

Join the network

Tell us about yourself. We read every application.

We aim to respond within 5–7 business days. All applications are reviewed personally.