IMPACT Master's Research Fellowship

About the programme Makerere University College of Health Sciences, under the "Reducing the Impact of Rheumatic Heart Disease Across the Life Span: The IMPACT Program" (Grant No. D43TW012255), is pleased to announce a call for applications for Master's Research Fellowships for 2026.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) develops when untreated strep throat infections trigger an autoimmune reaction that damages the heart valves, and it remains a major cause of cardiovascular illness and premature death in Uganda and across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a disease of poverty and inequality that overwhelmingly affects children and young adults, and it places a lifelong burden on patients and health systems. Reducing this burden requires sustained research on prevention, early detection, treatment and long-term care, and that research needs a new generation of Ugandan investigators.

This fellowship offers Master's students a structured opportunity to contribute to RHD research, receive mentorship from an internationally funded training programme, and develop a career in cardiovascular medicine and research. It is designed to build a pipeline of early-career researchers who can eventually lead RHD and cardiovascular research in Uganda.

Who is eligible? Master's students from the following institutions are encouraged to apply: - Makerere University - Mbarara University of Science and Technology - Gulu University

Applicants should be enrolled in Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, Nursing, Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or other Biomedical/Health-related fields. The deliberately broad disciplinary scope reflects the fact that RHD research spans clinical care, epidemiology, social science and implementation research. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in RHD research and commitment to developing a career in cardiovascular medicine and research. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply, reflecting the programme's commitment to strengthening gender equity in cardiovascular research.

Application requirements (submitted as one PDF) - Cover letter (1 page) - CV (maximum 3 pages) - Personal statement (maximum 1 page) - Research concept (maximum 2 pages) - Two recommendation letters (sent separately by referees)

The page limits are designed to keep the selection process fair and efficient, so applicants should be concise and focus on the most relevant information. The research concept should outline a feasible, well-framed study idea related to RHD.

What fellows gain The fellowship provides structured mentorship from the IMPACT Program team, access to cardiovascular research expertise and resources, and a framework within which to complete a high-quality Master's research project that could become the foundation of a longer research career. Fellows also join a community of researchers working on RHD across the life span, opening doors to future collaboration, publication and training opportunities. For students weighing a career in cardiovascular medicine or research, this is a practical and well-supported entry point into the field.

How to apply Applications should be emailed to makimpact22@gmail.com.

Key dates - Application deadline: March 10, 2026, at 11:59 pm - Interviews: April 2-6, 2026 - Notification: April 9-13, 2026

For enquiries, contact the Impact Program Coordinator at makimpact22@gmail.com (1st Floor, Clinical Research Building, Room 1.4).

This is an excellent opportunity for Master's students interested in cardiovascular research to receive structured mentorship and research support under an internationally funded training programme. Please share widely with eligible candidates.