SANTHE Master's and PhD Training — HIV Cure and TB Elimination

The Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE) at Makerere University invites applications for a PhD and Master of Science training opportunity. SANTHE is a collaborative research and training network that brings together leading scientists and institutions across sub-Saharan Africa to build research capacity in tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, two of the region's most pressing public health challenges.

About the programme The PhD training is focused on HIV Cure, an area of research aimed at understanding the mechanisms that allow HIV to persist in the body and developing strategies to achieve sustained remission or cure. The Master of Science training is focused on TB elimination, supporting work toward reducing and ultimately eliminating the burden of tuberculosis. Both opportunities provide structured scientific training, mentorship and research experience within a vibrant network of African and international scientists.

Training and mentorship Selected candidates will join a research-intensive environment where they will develop skills in study design, laboratory or data-driven research, scientific writing and communication, and professional development. Trainees benefit from supervision by established researchers within the SANTHE network and from exposure to regional and international collaborations, helping them build careers as independent scientists who can contribute to addressing HIV and TB in sub-Saharan Africa.

Eligibility Detailed eligibility criteria, target qualifications, and the specific requirements for each of the two training tracks (PhD in HIV Cure research and Master of Science in TB elimination) are provided in the attached adverts and flyers. Applicants should review the relevant advert to confirm their eligibility before applying.

How to apply Refer to the adverts/flyers attached for further details on the application requirements, required documents, and the submission procedure. Download the SANTHE PhD Fellowship Advert for the PhD opportunity and the SANTHE MSc Advert for the Master of Science opportunity, and follow the instructions provided. For inquiries or clarifications, please call +256 787-278-393.

Preparation tips Applicants are advised to read the relevant advert carefully, confirm that their academic background and research interests align with the stated focus areas, and prepare their research statement or proposal in good time. For the PhD track in HIV Cure research, a strong grasp of the scientific questions and methods in HIV persistence and remission research will strengthen an application; for the Master of Science track in TB elimination, applicants should be ready to link their research interests to TB prevention, diagnosis and care. Arranging for referees or mentors to support the application early is also recommended.

Why this matters HIV and tuberculosis remain among the most significant public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. Despite major progress in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, HIV still has no widely available cure, and TB continues to cause considerable illness and death, including among people living with HIV. Sustained investment in research is therefore essential. Training programmes such as this one help build a critical mass of African scientists who can lead studies on HIV cure strategies and TB elimination, translate research findings into practice and policy, and mentor the next generation of researchers. By training at both Master's and PhD levels, SANTHE supports a research career pathway that allows trainees to grow from students into independent scientists capable of addressing these diseases within their own communities and beyond.