AWE Change Master's Fellowship Programme Support

About the programme Makerere University College of Health Sciences, in collaboration with Duke University in the United States, is conducting a national collaborative research study on epilepsy. The study brings together leading local researchers in the fields of neurology and psychology in Uganda and international experts in the field of neurology and neurosurgery in the United States. Its aim is to investigate the panorama of epilepsy in Uganda across the life span by clinically characterising its features, comorbidities and risk factors among the general population, with a particular focus on stigma among adolescents.

As part of this work, applications are invited for the AWE Change Master's Fellowship Programme Support. The fellowship is designed to support postgraduate students pursuing Master's level training in areas relevant to the epilepsy research programme, enabling them to contribute to a growing national evidence base on epilepsy while advancing their own academic careers.

Why this research matters Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide, and understanding how it presents, how it coexists with other health problems and how it affects people's lives across different age groups is essential for improving care. By studying the condition across the life span — from children and adolescents through to older adults — the study aims to build a detailed, nationally relevant picture of epilepsy in Uganda. The specific focus on stigma among adolescents reflects the understanding that social attitudes can be as disabling as the condition itself, and that effective public health responses must address the social as well as the clinical dimensions of epilepsy.

What the fellowship covers The fellowship provides support to selected Master's students to undertake their studies and research in connection with the epilepsy study. Successful fellows will work within a dynamic research environment alongside Ugandan neurologists, psychologists and research scientists, as well as international experts, and will gain exposure to a large-scale national collaborative research project covering clinical characterisation, comorbidity assessment, risk factor analysis and adolescent health. Fellows will also benefit from the mentorship and networking opportunities that come with participating in a collaboration between Ugandan and international academic institutions.

Eligibility The programme is open to postgraduate (Master's) students of the following institutions: - Makerere University College of Health Sciences - Mbarara University of Science and Technology - Gulu University

Applicants should be committed to research in the field of epilepsy and related health areas and should be able to demonstrate strong academic standing. The fellowship support is intended to help students complete or strengthen their Master's training while contributing to the national research effort on epilepsy.

How to apply Enquiries and applications must be submitted by email to awechangeproject@gmail.com. The closing date for receipt of applications is 22 May 2024. Detailed information on how to apply is provided in the Masters Advert (Year 2, 2024) document, which applicants should download and review carefully before preparing and submitting their applications. Applicants are advised to ensure their applications are complete and submitted well before the closing date, as late submissions may not be considered.

Deadline Applications close on 22 May 2024. Interested postgraduate students are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the closing date and to contact the project team with any questions through the email address provided.