Master's Scholarship — Epidemiology & Biostatistics / Public Health in Sepsis

About the programme The sub-Saharan Africa consortium for the Advancement of Innovative Research and Care in Sepsis (STAIRS) builds upon longstanding existing groundwork and African-German cooperation to conduct high-quality research addressing critical knowledge gaps in the epidemiology, diagnosis and quality care of patients with sepsis. The network spans seven African countries: Uganda, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which the body's response to infection damages its own tissues and organs, and it is one of the most serious and under-studied challenges in African health systems. Patients in resource-limited settings are especially vulnerable because of delays in diagnosis, limited laboratory capacity and constrained intensive care resources, yet the data needed to understand and improve their care are scarce. This scholarship programme is designed to build the research capacity required to close those gaps.

Studentships at the MSc level are being offered across the network with the goal of establishing a network of mentored early-career researchers who aim to address issues related to sepsis within their settings and beyond. The programme supports Master's-level study in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Public Health in the area of sepsis, giving successful applicants the opportunity to develop specialist research skills in a field with significant potential to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of care for critically ill patients.

Being part of a multi-country network offers students a unique advantage: the chance to learn from and collaborate with peers and mentors across seven African countries and their German partners, exposure to diverse health systems and research settings, and a foundation for long-term regional collaboration on sepsis research. The mentored structure is intended to support students not only through their degree but also into their early careers as independent researchers.

What the studentship covers The scholarship supports study towards an MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics or Public Health with a research focus on sepsis. In practical terms, this means undertaking a degree that combines rigorous training in research methods, biostatistics and epidemiology with a research project on sepsis. For a health professional or recent graduate who wants to move into research, this is a direct pathway into a growing and internationally connected field.

For an early-career researcher, this is an opportunity to specialise in a high-need area, to be mentored by an experienced international network, and to contribute to evidence that can directly improve the care of critically ill patients in Uganda and across the region.

How to apply A detailed advert is attached for information on the application process. For inquiries, contact: - Catherine Namubiru - cathienamubiru@yahoo.com or Cathienamubiru1@gmail.com

Note: Applicants are advised to send applications to Catherine for initial shortlisting.

This is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers seeking to specialise in sepsis research within a growing international network, with mentorship and training designed to strengthen African research capacity in the field.