EnRiCH Non-Degree Research Fellowships in Sickle Cell Disease

About the programme Makerere University College of Health Sciences, through the EnRiCH (Enhancing Research Capacity for Sickle Cell Disease and Related Non-Communicable Diseases) Project, invites applications for two (2) Non-Degree Research Fellowships in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The EnRiCH Project is funded through a Training Research Grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is jointly implemented by Makerere University School of Medicine (Department of Pediatrics and Child Health) and Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences.

The fellowship aims to strengthen national research capacity and promote high-quality research and health systems development in SCD and related NCDs. It is designed specifically for established faculty members, health professionals and social scientists who wish to develop applied research skills in one of the most pressing areas of non-communicable disease research in Uganda. Unlike degree-based training, these non-degree fellowships allow working professionals to build research expertise without interrupting their professional commitments, making them particularly suitable for clinicians and academics already serving in health institutions.

Sickle cell disease remains a major cause of illness, disability and premature death in Uganda, and related NCDs compound the burden on patients and the health system. Strengthening the research capacity of people already working at the front line of care and academia is a powerful way to ensure that research questions are locally relevant and that findings are translated back into practice. This programme directly supports that goal by equipping fellows with rigorous research methods and management skills.

Eligibility Applicants should be: - Faculty at Makerere University, or - Health professionals or social scientists affiliated with a recognised institution. Research concepts should focus on, but are not limited to: - Biomedical aspects of SCD and related NCDs. - Clinical aspects of SCD and related NCDs. - Psychosocial and ethical aspects of SCD and related NCDs.

Fellowship benefits Successful fellows will receive training in: - Bioethics - Implementation science - Behavioural sciences research - Qualitative and quantitative research methodology - Data analysis - Research management These training areas equip fellows to design, conduct and manage high-quality research that can be translated into policy and practice. The combination of methodology, ethics and management training means that fellows finish the programme able to take on leadership roles in research projects, supervise others, and contribute meaningfully to national research priorities.

Application requirements Applicants should submit: - A one-page cover letter. - A current curriculum vitae (CV). - One recommendation letter from a professional referee or mentor. - A two-page research concept addressing SCD and related NCDs. Applications should be addressed to the Principal Investigator, EnRiCH Project, and submitted as a single PDF document via email to enrichd43@gmail.com.

What makes a strong application The cover letter should explain who you are, your professional background and why you wish to develop research capacity in SCD and related NCDs. The research concept should be focused, feasible and clearly linked to one or more of the priority areas, and it should show how the proposed work would contribute to improving outcomes for people affected by these conditions. Recommendation letters should come from referees who know your work and can speak to your readiness to take on a research project.

Deadline The application deadline is 13 July 2026. Eligible faculty members, health professionals and social scientists with an interest in SCD and related NCD research are encouraged to apply and to share the opportunity within their professional networks.