Non-Degree Fellows in Sickle Cell Disease and Related NCDs

Makerere University College of Health Sciences, through the School of Medicine (Department of Paediatrics & Child Health), and Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences are recipients of a five-year Training Research Grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The objective of the training grant is to enhance national capacity for high quality research and health systems development in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across the lifespan.

About the programme The project is now soliciting applications for two (2) non-degree research fellowship support opportunities in SCD and related NCDs. The fellowships are designed to strengthen the research skills and productivity of fellows working within the programme at Makerere University, building a pipeline of researchers and health professionals capable of advancing SCD and NCD care, prevention and health systems development in Uganda.

Eligibility The selection criteria for the non-degree fellowships are: 1. Applicants should be a faculty member or student at Makerere University, or a health professional/social scientist at a recognised institution. 2. The proposed project idea should be focused (but not limited) on any of the following areas: - Biomedical aspects of SCD and related NCDs - Clinical aspects of SCD and related NCDs - Psychosocial and ethical aspects of SCD and related NCDs - Clinical or community improvement projects

What the fellowship offers As a non-degree research fellowship, the programme provides support for fellows to carry out a defined research or improvement project under the mentorship of the grant team. The initiative aims to strengthen the national pipeline of researchers working on sickle cell disease and related non-communicable conditions, with an emphasis on producing evidence that informs policy, clinical practice and health systems development across the lifespan. Fellows join an active, NIH-funded research training environment and are expected to contribute to the programme's broader capacity-building objectives.

What fellows can expect The fellowship is structured to support learning by doing: fellows develop and implement a focused project, receive mentorship from experienced investigators, and contribute findings that can inform the care of people living with SCD and related NCDs in Uganda. Given the non-degree nature of the award, it is well suited to faculty members, students and health professionals who wish to strengthen their research skills without interrupting their ongoing roles. Fellows also become part of a growing community of SCD and NCD researchers linked to the training grant, with opportunities to exchange ideas, present their work and contribute to national research priorities.

How to apply Interested candidates should review the attached advert (the EnRICH Non Degree Poster) for full details on the application package and supporting documents required. Applicants are encouraged to share the call with their networks so that suitably qualified candidates across Uganda can apply.

Deadline Applications must be submitted by 20th April 2025.

About the institutions Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) is Uganda's leading centre for health professions training and research, located on Mulago Hill in Kampala. Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences is a key partner institution in this NIH-funded initiative. Together, the two institutions are working to expand the number of trained researchers and health professionals capable of addressing the growing burden of SCD and related NCDs in Uganda and the wider region.