Women are underrepresented in academic science careers, including health research. In sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of women scientists is even smaller, with huge disparities between men and women in higher positions in science and education achievements. Family and gender-related responsibilities are among factors that hinder most women from undertaking higher education at MSc and PhD levels in Africa.
The East African Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR) has received funding from UKAID and the DFID through the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) to support 5 PhD female scientists in the Capacity building for Female Scientist in East Africa-2 (CAFÉ-SEA-2) project. EACCR CAFÉ-SEA-2 project is a multidisciplinary PhD training programme whose aim is to equip five (5) female scientists from under-represented countries in the Eastern Africa region with skills and knowledge in infectious diseases research.
The PhD programme
This CAFÉ-SEA PhD programme will be a three-year program (with a 6-months possible extension) delivered through five tracks by five partners from the EACCR including Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Uganda, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI) in Tanzania, Kenya Medical Research Institute and the University of Rwanda Each partner will support one PhD student under one track.
The five tracks are:
1. Implementation Science (to be coordinated by Dr Patience Kiyuka at KEMRI Kilifi)
2. Non-Communicable diseases (to be coordinated by Dr Mbazi Senkoro at NIMR Muhimbili)
3. Epidemiology and Biostatistics (to be coordinated by Dr Bernard Kikaire at UVRI)
4. Research and Development (to be coordinated by Prof Reginald Kavishe at KCRI)
5. Social sciences (to be coordinated by Prof Stephen Rulisa at University of Rwanda)
The students are expected to register their PhD at a licensed university in their home country. The program will offer cross-cutting courses in bioethics, research methodology, and biostatistics and each student will be required to publish at least three manuscripts in peer reviewed journals in addition to a PhD thesis requirement of the University.
What the program offers:
The program will pay tuition for the PhD student, offer research support funds and a modest stipend and travel allowance. Each student will be co-supervised and provided with academic support from the program scientists as well. Students may be encouraged to seek for additional funding where necessary.
Eligibility Criteria
This programme is open to female candidates from all East African countries especially those from countries that have not received a lot of funding from EDCTP including South Sudan, Seychelles, Burundi, Eritrea, Djibouti, among others. Applications from Disadvantaged groups within the society in the region such as people with physical disabilities and graduates of the EDCTP-Africa CDC MSc in Epidemiology fellowship from the East African region are particularly encouraged to apply. Individuals who are in their 1st or 2nd year of PhD are also encouraged to apply. Candidates must have completed an MSc in a relevant field with an upper second (minimum CGPA 3.5) and published at least one peer reviewed paper in the last five years.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through email to Josephine Nassali: jnassali@uvri.go.ug and Emily Nyanzi : enyanzi@uvri.go.ug The Application package should contain the following:
- A cover letter of not more than 300 words.
- One page concept note of the proposed PhD research project by the applicant based on any of the five tracks listed above, recent CV indicating previous and/or current employer(s) (and position(s) held, as well as a list of peer reviewed publications (if any). Maximum of 2 pages.
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and relevant certificates
- Supporting letters from two professional referees: one academic and one professional or social, together with their telephone numbers, institutional addresses and e-mail addresses.
- Daytime contact details of the applicant including email, and telephone contacts.
The selection of candidates will involve a 2-step process that will be based on review of motivational statement and assessment of the PhD concept note. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for virtual or face-to-face interviews.
Final award of scholarship to selected candidates will be subject to successful university registration for the PhD.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00pm (EAT) on 16th December 2024
Further particulars can be obtained from the EACCR consortium Secretariat at Uganda Virus Institute (Contacts: Josephine Nassali: jnassali@uvri.go.ug OR Emily Nyanzi enyanzi@uvri.go.ug ).
Café-SEA is funded by the DFID and UK Aid from the UK government to support global health research, as part of the EDCTP3 programme supported by the European Union.