Master's Support in Brain Health

The Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) are implementing the "Research Training and Mentorship to Strengthen Brain Health" programme, a five-year project funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the Fogarty International Center (FIC). The major goal of the programme is to strengthen brain health research through multidisciplinary training and to build sustainable faculty and institutional capacity for research to improve brain health across the lifespan in Uganda.

About the programme The project is soliciting applications for Master's training support in brain health-related research at Makerere University and Uganda Martyrs University, for the 5th Cohort of the 2024/2025 academic cycle.

Eligibility and selection criteria Applicants should: - Be a Master's student in one of the following courses: MMED in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Surgery and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Public Health, Master of Health Services Research, MSc in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Nursing, or a Master's in the Basic Sciences (Physiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry or any other related field) at Makerere University or UMU. - Have completed at least one year of their Master's training in the courses listed above and be ready to start their thesis development. - Provide proof of admission onto a Master's programme at Makerere University or UMU. - Ensure that their research work is related to their selected research area in brain health. - Provide a letter of support from a mentor and another letter from the department committing to give the candidate protected time to study. - Demonstrate interest in brain health and neurological diseases, care and prevention, and commitment to develop and maintain a productive career devoted to brain health, clinical practice and prevention.

Research themes Applicants are encouraged to develop research concepts in the following broad brain health research priority areas: meningitis, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, seizures/epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, mental health disorders, stroke, dementias, Parkinson's disease and nerve disorders, plus other brain-related topics.

Training provided In addition to the formal Master's programme, trainees will receive training in bioethics, implementation science, behavioural sciences research, qualitative and quantitative research methodology, data analysis and research management.

Review criteria Applications will be reviewed on: relevance to programme objectives; quality of research and research project approach; feasibility of the study; mentors and mentoring plan (including who the proposed mentors are, what training they will provide and how often they propose to meet with the candidate); and ethics and human subjects protection.

How to apply Applicants should submit an application letter accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae, two recommendation letters from professional referees or mentors, and a 2-page concept or approved full proposal addressing a brain health or neurological disease-related problem. A soft copy should be submitted to the Training Coordinator, Brain Health Project, by email to brainhealthtraining@gmail.com.

For more information, inquiries and additional advice on developing concepts, please contact Prof. Elly Katabira at katabira@infocom.co.ug or Dr. Mark Kaddumukasa at kaddumark@yahoo.co.uk.

Closing date The closing date for receipt of applications is 10th June 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.