Preamble
As part of the Fogarty International Center (FIC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded United States-Zambia, addressing Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (US-Zambia Risk-NCD), the University of Zambia (UNZA), in collaboration with the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH), announces a postgraduate fellowship with specialization in NCD Risk factors research training. The training is to be embedded within the 2-year Masters programs in the School of Public Health (SoPH) and the 4-year Master of Medicine (MMed) program at the School of Medicine (SoM) at UNZA.
Specialization components
The NCD Risk factors specialization will be achieved through meeting all requirements for UNZA's SoPH and MMed programs, respectively. This fellowship will offer additional components, including dedicated coursework, research seminars, NCD Risk factors program tutorials, training at GWSPH, focused independent study/research on NCD Risk factors, participation in workshops and symposia and site visits and other experiences that introduce trainees to some of the leaders in the field.
At the end of their fellowship program, trainees will earn certification-showing specialization in NCD Risk factors research in addition to obtaining their Master's degree in the School of Public Health and Master's degree from the School of Medicine at UNZA. The program trainees will be supported to develop and successfully defend an independent research project in the field of NCD Risk factors as part of their Master's obligation and this will be carried out under the mentorship of the faculty at UNZA and GWSPH.
Recruitment of trainees
We are currently recruiting students from the SoPH and MMed programs for the third cohort.
Eligibility Criteria
We seek qualified applicants with clearly identified career goals that are consistent with the anticipated training. Successful applicants must have a strong academic record and relevant academic preparation, as well as impressive references that state the potential for success and commitment to a career in research on trauma and injuries. Applicants will be selected according
- Core Criteria
- MMed Candidates - candidates must be admitted in the UNZA's and be at least year 2 of the MMed (Internal Medicine and Family Medicine) program, respectively. Applicants must be interested in conducting research in any of the NCD risk factors in any of the following domains (metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, nutritional issues, dental, trauma, mental health, snake bites, chronic obstructive airway diseases)
- SoPH Candidates
- Applicants must be interested in conducting research in any of the NCD risk factors in any of the following domains (metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, nutritional issues, dental, trauma, mental health, snake bites, chronic obstructive airway diseases).
- Candidates with background in biomedical sciences, social and behavioral sciences as well as natural and life sciences. However, only candidates with a track record of solid academic performance (preferably merit,) and where merit not attained, experience (work, program, leadership, or research) will be considered.
- The fellowship is conditional to being admitted in any of the programs at the School of Public Health, UNZA.
- Candidates already admitted to the SoPH and meet the above-mentioned criteria can apply.
- Personal commitment to NCD Risk factors research: candidates should demonstrate this by describing their initial topic of research interest in NCD Risk factors, their relevance, and their potential impact in the Zambian or global context. In the personal statement, candidates should describe their academic achievements, relevant experiences, interest in research on NCD Risk factors, and why desiring this training; we will look for evidence of a long-term commitment to this field.
- Supplemental criteria
- Research experience: Evidence of a specific track record in relevant NCD Risk factors research may be an added advantage
- Gender consideration- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition, all those who want to focus on gender-specific dimensions of NCD risk factors
- Priority considerations: will be given to candidates with disabilities and those that will focus on NCD risk factors among people with disabilities.
Application process
Interested candidates must submit the following as part of their application:
- Application letter
- Admission letter from UNZA for MMed programme and any program in the SoPH
- A concept note describing an initial proposed research idea in NCD risk factors (no more than 1,500 words).
- Personal statement: summarizing past education and experience, as well as interest in trauma and injuries and future goals
- Biodata: a curriculum vitae and list of publications, if any, should be included
- Two letters of recommendation: from at least two people who are well acquainted with the applicant's previous academic work and professional experience where applicable
- Scholastic achievements: a complete set of official transcripts of academic records in college, graduate school, and/or professional schools, with certification of degrees, courses taken, and grades received
Financial assistance
All candidates who are accepted in the US-Zambia NCD risk factors fellowship program, will receive the following support: tuition coverage for the program or 2 years of MMed degree at UNZA, respectively; stipend to cover living expenses while attending UNZA; one-month study at GWSPH; and coverage for research costs. All support is commensurate with satisfactory progress in research and academic performance.
Application deadline and submission details.
The deadline for application submission is February 28, 2025. Be informed that early submission of applications is encouraged. The Fellowship will be awarded to four successful applicants who will be notified within two months.
All application documents must be submitted via e-mail to the following address: NCD scholarship - ncdriskunza@gmail.com