Master's Scholarship — Faculty Initiated Ideas (Biomedical Engineering)

The Biomedical Engineering Unit, Department of Physiology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), Uganda, in conjunction with Case Western Reserve University, USA, received a grant from the U.S. NIH - Fogarty International Center to train Ugandans in Biomedical Engineering (BME). This program's main aim is to build capacity for medical technology innovation and develop human capacity interested in research in Biomedical Engineering. As such, the program is currently soliciting applications from suitably qualified Ugandans for Scholarships that will lead to the award of an Engineering or closely related degree.

About the scholarship Funding for tuition, stipend and research costs will be available for a maximum of one academic year (Masters of Science). A modest monthly stipend and reasonable research funds will be provided. MSc students from the following programs at Makerere University are highly encouraged to apply: Technology Innovation and Industrial Development from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT); Computer Science (COCIS); Immunology and Clinical Microbiology; Master of Health Informatics; and Master of Bioinformatics (CHS). Applications from closely related degrees are also welcome.

Research topics Students are required to pick up to 2 topics from the table attached to the call, indicating good reasons for their choice. Candidates should strictly limit their application to these preselected projects. The technology focus areas include biomaterials and drug delivery, point-of-care diagnostics, biomedical imaging, and data analytics and artificial intelligence. Based on the preselected topics, the candidate will then develop an MSc concept/proposal.

Selection criteria Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Health-related field from a recognized university. Projects are limited to the preselected ones, on which the candidate will develop an MSc concept/proposal. Evidence of good performance in year one of the MSc program is a requirement. Applicants should be ready and willing to undergo oral interviews.

How to apply Submit only the following documents as a single PDF file to sightproject2022@gmail.com and indicate in the subject 'Scholarship MSc Application 2025': certified copies of relevant academic documents; two reference letters; a statement of motivation (not more than 500 words); and a brief CV of not more than four (4) pages.

Timeline Application deadline: 30th May, 2025. Interview date: 6th June, 2025. Notification date: 13th June, 2025. For clarifications, contact Ms. Basemera Joanittah by phone on 0701925906 or 0774572385, or by email at birungijoanah@gmail.com.

Why apply Access to medical technology is a major challenge in many low-resource settings, and locally developed, affordable innovations can have a significant impact on patient care. Biomedical engineering sits at the intersection of medicine, engineering and technology, addressing problems such as point-of-care diagnostics, biomedical imaging, biomaterials and drug delivery, and the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence in health. By training Ugandan researchers and innovators, this programme aims to build homegrown capacity to design, develop and evaluate medical technologies suited to local needs. The scholarship covers tuition, a modest monthly stipend and research funds, allowing students to focus on completing their MSc and developing a strong research concept in a preselected topic area. Successful candidates also gain mentorship within a partnership that links Makerere University with an internationally recognized US research institution, opening doors to further research and collaboration in medical technology innovation.