Epilepsy contributes a significant proportion of the world’s burden of disease and is associated with widespread discrimination and stigma which together with other drivers of the treatment gap prevent most people with epilepsy from reaching medical care. A complete understanding of its characterization, comorbidities and risk factors is inevitable for developing targeted preventive strategies and other interventions.
Makerere University College of Health Sciences in collaboration with Duke University, USA are conducting a national collaborative research study on Epilepsy with local leading researchers in the fields of neurology and psychology in Uganda and international experts in the field of neurology and neurosurgery in the USA. The aim of the study is to investigate the panorama of epilepsy in Uganda across the life span by clinically characterizing its features, comorbidities and risk factors among the general population, with a focus on stigma among adolescents.
Applications are invited for the AWE Change Masters fellowship programme support from postgraduate students of:
• Makerere University College of Health Sciences
• Mbarara University of Science and Technology
• Gulu University
The programme will support two (2) successful graduate candidates in their final year of training leading to the award of a Master’s degree on any of the Master’s graduate training programs at the stated University’s.
Eligibility
This is open to post graduate students, in their final year of study at their respective University in any of the following graduate programs: Master’s degree in Medicine, Paediatrics, Nursing, Public Health, Clinical epidemiology and Biostatistics, Social Sciences or a Biomedical/Health related field.
Criteria for Selection
1. Proof of admission to your university in the stated School or Faculty on a Master’s programme 2. Should be on normal progress in their Masters programme
3. Demonstrate interest in research training and conducting research within the respective discipline.
4. A letter of recommendation and support from the programmes Head of Department.
5. Outline a plan for career development.
6. Capacity towards attaining research leadership and international recognition in one’s field.
7. Commitment to developing at least one manuscript for publication based on their research.
8. Only applicants with research concepts focusing on Epilepsy in any one of the following aspects will be funded:
• Epilepsy (Clinical, Public Health, Cognitive, Psychosocial / Biomedical aspects)
Application Process
Enquiries and Applications must be submitted to awechangeproject@gmail.com and should consist of: a cover letter (1 page only), resume (not more than 3 pages) a personal statement (Maximum 1 page), research concept (Maximum 1 page), admission letter, proof of normal progress for the initial years of training for your year masters programmes and two letters of recommendation. The personal statement should include your aspirations for career progression in the next 5-7 years, research interests and any information you consider relevant. Closing date for the receipt of applications is 22nd May 2024.
Timelines:
Application deadline: 22nd May, 2024 Zoom Interviews: 30th May, 2024
Notification date: 7th June 2024 Proposed start date: 3rd July, 2024
