Master's Support — Self-Management Intervention for Reducing Epilepsy Burden

The Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Case Western Reserve University, in partnership with Mbarara University of Science and Technology, are implementing a five-year project titled "Self-management Intervention for Reducing Epilepsy Burden Among Adult Ugandans with Epilepsy." The programme is funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

About the programme One aspect of the project is to provide advanced degree training to qualified candidates interested in pursuing clinical and research careers in epilepsy. The initiative is aimed at growing epilepsy research capacity, including self-management approaches, in sub-Saharan Africa. As part of this work, the project is soliciting applications for Master's research thesis support focusing on epilepsy-related research at Makerere University and Mbarara University, for Cohort 2 of the 2025/2026 academic cycle.

What the support covers The Master's research thesis support enables selected candidates to undertake epilepsy-related research within the framework of the larger project, under the guidance of experienced investigators. Trainees gain exposure to clinical research, self-management interventions and community-based approaches to epilepsy care, contributing to locally generated evidence on reducing the epilepsy burden among Ugandan adults. The training is designed to prepare candidates for productive clinical and research careers in epilepsy, strengthening the long-term research capacity of both host universities.

Why this training matters Epilepsy is among the most common neurological conditions worldwide, and the burden is disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries where treatment gaps remain large. Self-management interventions, in which patients and caregivers play an active role in day-to-day care, are increasingly recognised as an important complement to medical treatment. By supporting Master's theses in this area, the project aims to build a generation of Ugandan researchers able to design, test and scale such approaches, generating locally relevant evidence for practice and policy.

Eligibility Details of candidate eligibility are provided in the flier attached to the call. The support is oriented towards qualified Master's students at Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology whose research interests align with epilepsy and the project's objectives.

How to apply Interested candidates should consult the attached flier (the SMART-U 2025 advert) for the application requirements, selection process and submission instructions. Applicants are encouraged to prepare a strong research concept aligned with the project's focus on epilepsy and self-management.

About the partners Makerere University College of Health Sciences is Uganda's leading health professions training institution, based on Mulago Hill in Kampala. Case Western Reserve University brings international research expertise, while Mbarara University of Science and Technology contributes strong local research capacity, together implementing this NIH- and NINDS-funded project.