Capacity building for Female Scientist in East Africa (CAFÉ-SEA) PhD Fellowship Program 2021

The Capacity building for Female Scientist in East Africa (CAFÉ-SEA) applications for fellowship are now open

When is the Application Deadline:

3ed September 2021

Tell Me About the Award:

The Capacity building for Female Scientist in East Africa (CAFÉ-SEA) is a project under the Eastern Africa Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR), which is an EDCTP-funded network of excellence. The primary goal of CAFÉ-SEA is to
build capacity for research among female scientists in infectious diseases in the Eastern Africa region.

Women are under-represented in academic science careers including health research. Less women win research grants;
they tend to have fewer publications than their male counterparts and fewer women are appointed to senior academic
positions. In sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of women scientists is even smaller than in other parts of the world with a huge disparity 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. Following the current challenges of increased epidemics of emerging/remerging diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19 among others, there is a high demand for high quality scientists and researchers equipped with skills and knowledge in the management of patients and preparedness of epidemic response as well as the required high quality clinical research.

This CAFÉ-SEA PhD programme will be delivered by five partners from the EACCR including Uganda Virus Research
Institute (UVRI) in Uganda, National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute
(KCRI) in Tanzania, Kenya Medical Research Institute and African Research Collaboration for Health in Kenya and
University of Rwanda in Rwanda. This PhD programme has five tracks which include: Implementation Science; Non-Communicable diseases; Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Research and Development; and Health Economics.

Each track will have one PhD fellow, an MSc student attached to each PhD fellow and will be delivered by one of the
partner institutions. However, it is highly recommended that the research projects are focused on emerging
diseases, especially COVID-19

Which Fields are Eligible?

The programme will include specific courses prescribed by the enrolling Universities including cross-cutting courses in
bioethics, research methodology, and biostatistics which will be coordinated through EACCR. In addition, each PhD
candidate will be required to develop a research proposal, conduct his or her research and publish at least three
manuscripts in peer reviewed journals in addition to a PhD thesis. The requirement for three manuscripts will be a minimum requirement regardless of the normal practice of the enrolling university. Each fellow shall train and co-supervise an MSc student under her research project and shall work with a team of experts across EACCR in many activities including attending networking meetings in the region and networking with other PhD fellows from other EDCTP networks of excellence

What Type of Scholarship is this?

PhD

Who is Eligible?

This programme is open to female candidates from all East African countries especially those with less established institutions within EACCR., East African countries underrepresented in previous EDCTP funding and/or disadvantaged due to political conflicts will be prioritised. Candidates from Djibouti, Eritrea, Burundi, Rwanda, Seychelles are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications from Disadvantaged groups within the society in the region such as people with physical disabilities are also encouraged.

How are Applicants Selected?

Candidates will be selected based on the strength of their academic background and track record in research verifiable through documents like certificates, support letters about experience in research, evidence of at least one research
publication, etc.

Which Countries are Eligible?

East African countries

Where will the Award be Taken?

Selected candidates will register at Universities within the Eastern Africa region and will be required to sign a fellowship
agreement for expressing commitment to undertake and complete the training.

How Many Scholarships will be Given?

7

What is the Benefit of the Scholarship?

With funding from the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), EACCR CAFÉ-SEA project will conduct a multidisciplinary PhD training programme to equip up to seven female scientists from under- represented countries in the Eastern Africa region with skills and knowledge in infectious diseases research.

How Long will the Program Last?

The PhD fellowship will be for three years with a possible six-month extension.

How to Apply for this Scholarship:

Applications must be submitted through email to Emily Nyanzi: enyanzi@uvri.go.ug and copied to Elizabeth Kussaga:
e.kussaga@kcri.ac.tz and Josephine Nassali: nj48288@gmail.com .

The Application package should contain the following:

• A motivational statement of not more than 300 words indicating the professional development plan of the applicant during and after PhD studies
• One page concept notes of the proposed PhD research project by the applicant
• A 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
• Evidence of a minimum of a pass in first degree with a minimum of upper second class (GPA 3.5 or above) and “B” grade or above at Masters level.
• Supporting letters from two professional referees, together with their telephone numbers, institutional addresses and e-mail addresses.
• Daytime contact details of the applicant including email, and telephone contacts.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00pm (EAT) on Tuesday 3rd September, 2021.

Visit Award Webpage for Details