This is a call to past, present and potential NIH Fellows, Fogarty trainees-anyone with a link to the NIH who comes from South Africa and/or other African countries-to contact me.
Why?
The FIC has given the MRC pilot funding to see whether an 'NIH Alumni Association' would be of value to you. I would like to hear from you if you are interested in being a member of a potential South African/Southern African/Sub-Saharan African/… association. Or, if you don't want to be a member but could be a point of contact for advice/networking/involving the Diaspora, I would also like to hear from you.
What for?
That's what we need to find out from you. Click the links numbered topics below for some ideas from other South Africans to start with:
1) Mentoring, teaching, visiting staff
Alumni as co-supervisors of postgraduate degrees, especially of staff members where there is a lack of specialists in specific research areas
Alumni giving courses/talks on research skills
Alumni presenting lectures and courses to staff and postgraduates
Build capacity within African universities by assessing the environment of researchers with potential and funding not just their research/exchange/sabbatical/training/etc but also someone to take over their teaching load
Linking South African institutions with gaps in research capacity with academic institutions possessing the needed capacity
2) Technical support: workshops / training in grants processes
Training of SA researchers in:
Report writing (also perhaps train finance/administrative staff in budget reporting)
Standard operating procedures outlining requirements of institution and of PI with respect to the funding agency
Training in grants management and grant writing
Exposure of researchers to the NIH system of evaluation: the working group structure, how to write the proposal so that it will be viewed by a working group whose members are experts in and sympathetic to the area of research being proposed
Investigate the possibility of allowing researchers the freedom to add new themes to research proposals, after approval has been given for the initial proposal
3) Work with the SA Diaspora
To provide:
skills training
co-operation with grant-writing
introduction to funding opportunities
networking SA researchers with other researchers in their field
exchanges
4) Exchanges
6-12-month sabbaticals (or grants supporting a re-integration period) for scientists returning from the USA, with resources available for:
The postdoc who returns with a project and is able to hit the ground running
The postdoc who cannot bring a project home with them, needs support, startup funding, more institutional support (approach MRC or group of supportive researchers, get funding for 6-month visit to start project, write grant application, start exchanges)
Inter-university movement: to allow researchers in institutions which focus more on teaching to move to a more research-oriented institution (or partner with one)
Locate US students/researchers who could come to work in an SA environment (3-4 years to do a PhD here, or 1-2 years postdoc)
5) Association's Web, database and people
Web page where researchers can:
Find an interface which facilitates their introduction to the who, how, when, where and what of NIH
Locate and access mentors/advisers and other researchers in their field via a database
Add their details to the database
Other possible initiatives:
gatherings: a culture of reunions, e.g. piggyback on PHASA meetings, AIDS conferences
regular information: quarterly newsletters, need commitment from, for e.g., ex trainees
sustaining the researcher base: making training opportunities known to the wider research community, opening to wider audience
Other needs of the association:
A steering committee, terms of reference
6) National and institutional capacity development
Development of an individual (or more) per institution who knows NIH and its processes and people well and can advise and support colleagues writing proposals (possibly a mid-level scientist who is on a research committee)
Here is a link to what Brazilian alumni are doing.
If an association is to be formed, it will only be because you want it and will sustain it. We could use the pilot funding for you to hold initial meetings or workshops for association planning purposes.
Please contact me with your ideas, using the online form.
I look forward to corresponding with you and assisting you with setting up your NIH Alumni Association.
Carole Roberts
Office of International Affairs
South African Medical Research Council
MRC researchers, before applying for external funding, please submit all proposals to the Project Office, for the attention of Pierre Boshoff.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
United States of America
The NIH is the primary federal agency, in the United States of America, for funding and performing medical research.
Please note the NIH Grants Policy Statement (10/98): If you are intending to apply for NIH funding, you might like to start by looking at their Grants Policy Statement which includes a description of their policy on awards to foreign institutions, international organizations, and domestic grants with substantial foreign components. See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm
NIH funding opportunities and notices
(Suggestion: scroll down to the 'Weekly Issue of the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts' where you can read each week's list of new announcements, or subscribe to a listserv which will email them to you each week.) You need to check the eligibility requirements for these announcements, as not all are open to non-US applicants.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
United States of America
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and health education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.
Community of Science Funding Database (COS)
The MRC subscribes to the COS Funding Database which describes itself as “The most comprehensive source of funding information available on the Web, with more than 25,000 records, representing over 400,000 funding opportunities, worth over $33 billion.”
The Wellcome Trust is an independent charity funding research to improve human and animal health. Established in 1936 and with an endowment of around £13 billion, it is the UK's largest non-governmental source of funds for biomedical research.
Please see the Trust’s international page for further information about funding opportunities.
European Commission, Framework Programme 7
(FP7) European Union
For guidelines on what is possible with the FP7, please visit the webpage of the European South Africa Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP). South Africa and the European Union enjoy a privileged partnership marked by longstanding political, economic and development cooperation ties. The first intergovernmental agreement ever concluded between South Africa and the European Union, the Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation signed in 1996, afforded South African researchers the opportunity to participate fully in the EU's Framework Programmes for Research and Technology Development. ESASTAP, a Specific Support Action, implemented by the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) and funded by the European Commission (EC) under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), will significantly enhance the support and assistance available to both South African and European researchers to optimally leverage mutual benefits from this partnership. You will find information on searching for collaborating partners, mobility (SA to Europe and vice versa) funding, seed funding for building the early stages of collaborations, and how to access research funding.
European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) European Union
The European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) was created in 2003 as a European response to the global health crisis caused by the three main poverty-related diseases of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. These diseases account for over 6 million deaths each year, and the numbers are growing. Sub-Saharan Africa is the world's worst-affected region where besides ravaging lives, they impede development and cause poverty.
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
(TDR) World Health Organisation
TDR funds specific research projects in diseases of poverty, which cover infectious diseases and the culture and environment that contribute to these problems. It also supports the development of individuals and institutions in the countries where these diseases are prevalent.
TWAS is an autonomous international organization, based in Trieste, Italy, that promotes scientific excellence for sustainable development in the South. Originally named "Third World Academy of Sciences", it was founded in 1983 by a distinguished group of scientists from the South under the leadership of the late Nobel laureate Abdus Salam of Pakistan. The Academy's strength resides in the quality and diversity of its membership - internationally renowned scientists elected by their peers.
The objective of the National Research Foundation (NRF) is to support and promote research in South Africa through funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of the natural and social sciences, humanities and technology.
Comments and Submissions:
The content of this page is maintained by the MRC's Office of International Affairs. If you have any comments or wish to have your funding opportunity, training opportunity, meeting (workshops, conferences, symposia, etc.) listed here, please contact carole.roberts@mrc.ac.za. The MRC reserves the right to decide what gets published.
Chevening Scholarship Programme
Applications invited for Chevening Scholarship Programme from Young Professionals in Select African Countries to pursue PG studies in the UK British Council is currently seeking applications for the Chevening Scholarship Programme from young eligible and outstanding professionals in select African countries viz. Botswana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia who are already experienced in their chosen profession and would like to further develop their career with a postgraduate course in the UK.
The Chevening Scholarship Programme is a prestigious awards scheme that funds international postgraduate students who want to study in the UK for one academic year.
Funded by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and administered by the British Council, the scheme operates in over 150 countries and annually provides funding for over 2,300 scholars.
Fields of Study: Economics, Finance, Banking, Law, Human rights, Public administration, Management, Project planning, Media, Political science, International relations, Diplomatic training, Environmental studies, although applicants for other courses (as varied as counter-terrorism, religion and energy/climate change) may be considered.
You are expected to show a commitment to return to your country, where you will contribute to the country’s socio-economic development using the new skills and knowledge acquired during your stay in the UK.
Eligibility - you can apply for a Chevening scholarship if:
You are a postgraduate student who can prove your academic success and who has already begun a career in your chosen field.
You have between two and five years working experience (depending on the country you are applying in), with an excellent track record illustrating your achievements and your potential to use the skills gained during your scholarship to make a difference in your country.
You have achieved an excellent mark for you undergraduate degree and can provide a transcript of your academic record. Specific academic requirements are available from the British Council offices in your country.
You are 21 years or older (there are upper age limits for specific countries so please ensure you check this during your applications process).
You are a resident in your country when you apply and provide your birth certificate (with translation).
You must have good English language skills (most UK Higher Education institutions require a minimum IELTS of 6.5 for admission into postgraduate courses).
Application Deadlines: Applications are only open at certain times of the year and differ per country.
NRF Equipment-related Mobility and Training Grants: 2011/12: Call for Applications
The rationale for the Equipment-related Mobility and Training grants, is to make available funds to support the larger science community to access state-of-the-art equipment that is not available at their own research institution, region or nationally.
Deadline: The call for applications will be open throughout the year and applications may be submitted at any time. However, proposals will be evaluated on a quarterly basis only. Submission of applications for funding for each of the academic quarters (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep and Oct-Dec) should be submitted well in advance as funding decisions will be made during the month preceding the relevant quarter.
[Source: NRF]
Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program
For:
Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D43) (PAR-10-260)
Planning Grant for Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D71) (PAR-10-262)
Deadlines:
Letters of Intent Receipt Dates: October 2, 2010; April 21, 2012; April 21, 2013
Application Due Dates: November 2, 2010; May 21, 2012; May 21, 2013
Eligibility:
Eligibility for Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D43)
U.S. Institutions with a demonstrated collaboration with a researcher in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions may apply.
Foreign institutions in LMICs may also apply.
Applicant institution must have active, ongoing research (18 months of funding remaining at the time of applicant submission).
Eligibility for Planning Grant for Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D71)
Applicants may only be submitted by foreign institutions in LMICs, as defined by the World Bank Classification system.
Foreign applicants should apply in collaboration with U.S. institutions and must name an individual in the proposed institution as the major collaborator.
Applicant institutions for both the full institutional grant and the planning grant may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct.
Program Overview: Fogarty developed this program to address research training needs related to infectious diseases that are predominantly endemic in or impact upon people living in developing countries. The training programs include a variety of research training options to match the needs of the developing country institution. The ultimate goal is to build a critical mass of researchers and support staff to conduct independent infectious disease research in developing country institutions.
Training programs could include:
Long-term (master’s or doctoral degree and other training that is six months or longer) training for the full range of skills necessary to support research and research administration with the understanding that the focus of thesis and training-related research will be in their country.
Medium-term (three- to up to six-months) training or mentoring, including specialized clinical, laboratory, research or administrative/business skills necessary to support research that is planned or ongoing.
Short-term (less than three months) training or mentoring that focuses on research methodology, laboratory skills necessary to support research ethics and compliance issues, program and grants administration and financial management, grant writing, preparation of scientific manuscripts, data management, informatics, and other relevant areas.
Institutional capacity-building efforts such as in-country training workshops in advanced research techniques, distance learning and informatics.
Advanced in-country mentored research undertaken by the trainee in his/her home country upon completion of his/her initial period of long-term training under the program.
The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO): the Innovative Research Incentives Scheme
The aim of the scheme is to facilitate innovation in scientific research. Establishing creative space for adventurous, talented, groundbreaking researchers to freely do research of their choice and the retention of these researchers for scientific research are therefore key aspects of the Innovational Research Incentives Scheme. The Innovational Research Incentives Scheme focuses on the best researchers irrespective of their nationality. Foreign researchers may also submit an application.
The Innovational Research Incentives Scheme with its three types of grant focuses on three different phases in the scientific career of researchers.
Veni is aimed at the excellent researcher who has recently gained his or her PhD and is at the start of his/her scientific career, but has already demonstrated a striking talent for doing scientific research.
Vidi is aimed at the excellent researcher who following his/her PhD has carried out several years of research and in doing this has demonstrated the ability to independently generate and effect innovative ideas.
Vici is aimed at the excellent senior researcher who has successfully demonstrated the ability to develop his/her own innovative line of research and the ability to act as a coach for young researchers.
Application deadlines: application deadline for veni proposals (5 January 2012), Vidi proposals (2 October 2012) and vici pre-proposals is (29 March 2012).
DFG - 4th Call for Draft Proposals of German-African Cooperation Projects in Infectology
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) once again issues a call for proposals of joint research projects between scientists in Germany and Africa investigating infectious diseases and their social implications.
The scope of the call includes:
The investigation of neglected infectious diseases in humans and animals but also research on topics of their social and economical impact.
The establishment or consolidation of mutually beneficial equal partnerships that allow African researchers to investigate topics of local significance and that open up research opportunities in Africa to German scientists in the long term.
An additional central goal is to provide support and funding for the academic and professional careers of young African researchers in their home countries in order to contribute to building research capacities in Africa.
It is furthermore desirable to strengthen research networks within Africa, therefore several African partners may participate in one project.
African population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: 5TH Call for application for the African Doctoral Dissertation Research Fellowship (ADDRF)
The 2012 ADDRF seeks to facilitate more rigorous engagement of doctoral students in research, strengthen their research skills, and provide them an opportunity for timely completion of their doctoral training. The fellowship targets doctoral students with strong commitment to a career in training and/or research. The overall goal of the ADDRF program is to support the training and retention of highly-skilled, locally-trained scholars in research and academic positions across the region.
Number of scholarships: 18 Fellowships will be award in 2012.
Eligibility: Fellowships are awarded to doctoral students who are within two years of completing their thesis at an African University. Candidates whose dissertation topics address health policy or health systems issues will be given special consideration. Three fellowships will be reserved for research on health inequities in urban areas or the reproductive health of marginalized urban communities.
The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI): Africa Initiative Graduate Research Grant
The Africa Initiative Graduate Research Grant is designed to support innovative, policy-relevant research on Africa conducted by graduate students enrolled in a Canadian or African university. The grant is offered to up to thirty recipients each year. Each recipient spends as many as three months in Africa or Canada conducting research funded by the program.
The Africa Initiative Graduate Research Grant program is now accepting applications for research to be conducted between April and September, 2012. As part of the application for the grant, applicants are expected to self-identify professors and experts they would like to work with at universities in Canada or Africa and are required to submit an official letter of support from the university where they wish to be based.
Amount: The program offers grants of up to CAD$10 000 to each student per year.
Eligibility:
Must be a Master’s or PhD student enrolled in an African university
Must be in good academic standing (with at least an overall B standing, or equivalent)
Proposed research must be original and timely, and must focus on one or more of the thematic areas of conflict resolution, energy, food security, health, migration, and climate change
International AIDS Society and National Institute on Drug Abuse seek Applications for HIV and Drug Use Fellowship Program
The International AIDS Society (IAS) is an independent association of HIV professionals and was founded to promote dialogue and education about HIV/AIDS. IAS works to build capacity and close gaps in knowledge and expertise at every level of the HIV response. IAS convenes international conferences on HIV and AIDS and specialized meetings as well as provides a platform for presenting new research and building consensus to advance the global fight against HIV.
IAS, in association with National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is inviting applications for joint fellowship Program 2012. The program focuses on HIV and drug use, with the goal of contributing to advances in the scientific understanding of drug use and HIV.
Fellowship Provisions: The fellowship Program is awarded as a stipend of US$75 000 in two categories: to a junior scientist for 18-month post-doctoral training, or to a well-established HIV researcher for an eight-month-long professional development training at leading host institutes excelling in HIV-related drug use research.
Eligibility Criteria: Post-doctoral Training: Junior investigators with a doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, MD) obtained no more than six years before the time of application in the fields of behavioural and social sciences, biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, medicine, physics or public health (other disciplines may also be considered) are eligible. Applicants must hold a doctorate degree or equivalent before the start of the fellowship, but not necessarily when applying. Medical doctors who obtained a MD degree no more than eight years ago and who do not have extended research experience can be allowed to apply to a post-doctoral fellowship.
Professional Development Training: The fellowship is geared towards well-established HIV or drug use scientists who are not currently active in the field of HIV-related drug use research, with a minimum of seven years’ experience beyond post-doctoral level, and with a documented scientific record that includes peer-reviewed publications.
Applications are encouraged from any country, but preference will be given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries. As there are numerous national opportunities for research training within the US, applications from US citizens and permanent residents for fellowships within the US will not be accepted.
All applicants must choose a mentor in an institution different from their current institution.
Applicants must be able to start their fellowships before 1 June 2013.
Fellowship Duration: Fellowships must be served continuously for the duration of the award. Fellows must start their research before 1 June 2013.
Award Terms: The award of US$75 000 will be made available to the host institution, which will provide the stipend to the fellow in accordance with its usual regulatory procedures. The stipend may cover only the cost of living, personal expenses (e.g., health and accident insurance) and one return journey to the country of origin during the fellowship period. The stipend may not be supplemented with funds from the NIH or any other US federal agency or another fellowship, regardless of the source. The fellow may receive supplemental support from other sources, providing that the additional funds do not impose a service and do not exceed a maximum of US $10 000 per year.
Work Permit: The mentor and the host institution are responsible for supporting the fellow in obtaining the necessary visa and work permit, insurance and ethical approval to conduct his/her research in accordance with national requirements and the host institution’s regulatory procedures.
Reporting: Fellows and mentors must provide intermediary progress reports to the IAS every six months during the fellowship period, based on the template they will receive, as well as a final fellowship report, including an expenses report.
Mentors List: All fellows are required to choose a mentor in an institution different from their current institution, who holds an established post for the duration of the fellowship and has a track record in research and training in HIV and drug use.
Applications for the 2012 Program will open on 8 December 2011 and close on 10 February 2012.
South Africa - Angola Joint Science & Technology Research Programme 2011: 1st Call for Research Proposals – 2011
Deadline: 14 February 2012
The Government of Angola and the Republic of South Africa signed an Agreement for cooperation in science and technology in April 2008. The two countries have decided to jointly support researchers from public universities and public research institutions on an equal and mutually beneficial basis in an effort to enhance scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.
This call for proposals is for joint research project proposals which should be submitted to the relevant authorities in both countries for evaluation (the Ministério do Ensino Superior e da Ciência e Tecnologia in Angola and the National Research Foundation in South Africa).
For the purposes of this call, research projects falling within the following areas/disciplines will be considered:
Biosciences (Life Sciences)
Space Science (including remote sensing)
Indigenous Knowledge System
Environment and Climate Change (including Oceanography)
Energy (including nuclear)
Material Sciences Research (including Nano-technology)
ICT
Paleosciences
Geosciences
Evaluation will be done according to the following criteria:
Scientific and technical merit
National Priority
Significance for both countries
Potential for creating research and development capacity
Potential for innovation and industry spin-off
Methodology and,
Suitability and feasibility, including budget requested
The South African applicant will be allowed to apply for R100 000 per year for two years. The Angolan researcher should apply for their own funds from the relevant authority in their country. Researchers should therefore note that two separate budgets would be required from each side. Researchers from the visiting country will be responsible for their own international travel; and hosting costs (local travel, subsistence and accommodation) will be the responsibility of the hosting party. A maximum of 15% of the total budget can be used for the purchase of small equipment and consumables.
The joint application for funding must include two Principal Investigators. The SA applicant must be employed at a recognised institution of higher learning or research institution such as a science council or National Facility in South Africa. Researchers from both countries must be in possession of at least a Masters degree (preferably a PhD). The Principal Investigators will be responsible for the scientific and financial reporting, as well as other technical and administrative co-ordination of the project. They will also be required to submit a progress and final report to their respective funding agencies/authorities upon completion of the project. Researchers employed at private institutions will not be allowed to apply under this programme.
Application forms for proposal submission for the SA applicant may be obtained from the National Research Foundation. The Angolan counterpart should contact the relevant authority in his/her country for the relevant forms (see contacts below). Submissions should include CVs of the Principal Investigators and this must be received by 14th February, 2012 via e-mail. Signatures may either be submitted electronically or scanned. Please ensure that the partner’s signed page is attached which may be a faxed or a scanned copy.
Electronic copies must be submitted to the e-mail addresses below, to the respective country of the researcher. The SA application, together with the scanned signature page must be emailed directly to puleng.tshitlho@nrf.ac.za.
No Angolan application will be accepted in SA and no SA application will be accepted in Angola.
Kindly note that budget availability and proposals with a high evaluation rating in both countries are extremely important factors in determining the success of an application.
Please insist on an acknowledgement receipt as the NRF will not accept responsibility for any lost applications. Please note that no hard copies will be accepted.
Angola: Mr Alexandre de Sousa Costa, Ministério do Ensino Superior e da Ciência e Tecnologia, Director do Gabinete de Intercâmbio e Relações Internacionais, Rua Cónego Manuel das Neves, Edifcio da Edel, 10º andar; telm. +244 923 644 943, Luanda – Angola, acosta.mesct@gmail.com. Other contacts: Mr Antonio Alcochete, +244 924 440 694, a_alcochete@yahoo.com; Mr Domingos Neto, dgosneto@gmail.com; Mr Rufino Sambanje, rufino.sambanje@gmail.com; Mr Armando Valente, zambela4@yahoo.es
[Source: NRF]
New call for proposals: EDCTP Strategic Primer grants
This grant will provide funding for research groups in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe to conduct innovative, ambitious studies that will:
Generate results to inform future clinical trials
Sustain and strengthen the capacity built up under EDCTP
Increase networking of African and European Member States' research programmes
Funding is available to support clinical research studies of up to two years duration to address high priority research issues and barriers to progress. The purpose of the award is to provide pump-priming to allow researchers to explore novel and innovative lines of research that may lead to the development and testing of new or improved clinical interventions against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria. Applications must involve researchers based at public institutions in two or more EDCTP-EEIG Member States and researchers at institutions in one or more sub-Saharan African countries.
The deadline for preliminary applications is 14 February 2012.
NIH/PEPFAR Collaboration for Advancing Implementation Science in Prevention of Maternal-Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) (R01)
New applications for grants are requested, keeping the following deadlines in mind:
Letter of Intent Due Date: January 28, 2012
Application Due Date(s): February 28, 2012, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization
Scientific Merit Review: June/July 2012
Advisory Council Review: August 2012
Earliest Start Date(s): December 2012
Expiration Date: February 29, 2012
Purpose: The NIH, in collaboration with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, invites applications for implementation science projects that will inform the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) as they develop more efficient and cost-effective methods to deliver proven interventions for prevention of maternal-child HIV transmission (PMTCT).
Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: the number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations, and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. The participating NIH institutes and the Office of Global AIDS Coordinator intend to commit a total of $3,350,000 to support 4-8 awards in FY2012. Of that amount, NICHD intends to commit $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2012. Future year amounts will depend on annual appropriations.
Award Budget Total costs of up to $500,000 per year and project duration of up to two years for a maximum of $1,000,000 total costs over a two-year project period. Funds should be budgeted in the application to allow PD/PIs and key collaborators to attend annual meetings at NIH and one regional meeting each year.
A minimum of 80% of awarded funds must be spent in the PEPFAR country where the research is taking place.
Award Project Period The scope of the proposed project should determine the project period. The maximum project period is 2 years.
Eligibility: non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are eligible to apply; non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply (see following definitions).
Foreign component: the performance of any significant scientific element or segment of a project outside of the United States, either by the grantee or by a researcher employed by a foreign organization, whether or not grant funds are expended. Activities that would meet this definition include, but are not limited to, (1) the involvement of human subjects or animals, (2) extensive foreign travel by grantee project staff for the purpose of data collection, surveying, sampling, and similar activities, or (3) any activity of the grantee that may have an impact on U.S. foreign policy through involvement in the affairs or environment of a foreign country. Foreign travel for consultation is not considered a foreign component. (See Grants to Foreign Institutions, International Organizations, and Domestic Grants with Foreign Components chapter in IIB.)
Foreign institution An organization located in a country other than the United States and its territories that is subject to the laws of that country, regardless of the citizenship of the proposed PD/PI.
IDF BRIDGES funding for short term projects (Diabetes)
Bringing Research in Diabetes to Global Environments and Systems - BRIDGES Fourth Round of Funding.
This new round of funding is exclusively dedicated to short term projects (maximum 2 years and USD65 000).
The deadline to apply is 15 February 2012, 22.00 (GMT+1).
Grand Challenges Canada: Rising Stars in Global Health ‘Bold Ideas for Humanity’
In this request for proposals, Grand Challenges Canada hopes to harness the creativity, energy and experience of exceptional, emerging innovators from low- and lower-middle-income countries to develop innovative solutions for global health. Proposals are required to take an Integrated Innovation approach, defined as “the coordinated application of scientific/ technological, social and business innovation to develop solutions to complex challenges”. This approach does not discount the singular benefits of each of these types of innovation alone, but rather highlights the powerful synergies that can be realized by aligning all three.
Available funds: $18 million CAD to be awarded over three years
Number of proposals: Approximately 60 proof-of-concept proposals (up to 30 per round, $100 000 CAD each) from applicants in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
Wellcome Trust course: Genomic Epidemiology in Africa
6-11 May 2012, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
The course will aim to describe the key aspects of population genetics and genome wide association studies (GWAS); participants will be able to perform analyses in their own research. Both theoretical and practical issues of genetic epidemiology via association analysis, illustrating particular concepts with examples from recent studies in Type 2 Diabetes, sickle cell disease and Malaria will be covered.
Bursaries are available for non-commercial applicants to cover travel and accommodation costs. These are subject to a selection process and are awarded on merit.
Makerere/UVRI Infection and Immunity Research Training Programme: Short Course: Immunology in the Tropics
An intensive two week modular course designed for graduates and laboratory researchers. Topics covered include: evolution of the Immune System (5-7 March), Malaria Immunology (8-12 March) and Helminth Immunology (14-16 March). The course offers up-to-date lectures, discussion of research papers, cutting edge research talks by international experts, talks on the latest technological developments and advances, as well as practical sessions covering Immunological techniques.
Confirmed Speakers: Prof.Mick Bailey (University of Bristol, UK), Dr.Margaret McKinnon (KEMRI, KE), Dr.Simon Draper (University of Oxford, UK), Prof.Eleanor Riley (LSHTM, UK), Prof.Richard Grencis (University of Manchester, UK), Prof.Maria Yazdanbakhsh (University of Leiden, NL).
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Summer Research Program
The undergraduate Summer Research Program (July 9th to August 31th 2012) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL) in Switzerland offers intensive hands-on research training. Come and discover the excitement and challenges of research in one of the labs in our 4 institutes:Global Health Institute , Brain Mind Institute, Institute of Bioengineering, and the Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research. Fellowships provided.
Our Mission and challenge - School of Life Sciences@Swiss Federal Institute of Technology-EPFL "...The future of life sciences lies at the crossroads of biology, medicine, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer sciences and engineering. Geared towards this goal, the School of Life Sciences trains a new breed of scientist engineers whose combined skills in these various fields are set to address fundamental biological questions and to attack the major medical problems of our times with a truly integrative spirit. Researchers, in close to fifty groups, apply this philosophy to broad questions including cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases and mental or neurological disorders, pushing for holistic approaches that span a range of disciplines from functional genomics to high-tech bio-engineering, and from computer neurosciences to structural modeling."
[Source: AFRO-NETS]
Meetings
Diabesity - A world-wide challenge
9–10 February 2012, Brussels
Towards a global initiative on gene-environment interactions in diabetes/obesity in specific populations.
Thanks for spreading the word and informing your members, associates and contacts.
Call for proposals of topics, sessions & focussed conferences for the WCP2014 Scientific Programme
The 17th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (WCP2014 – www.wcp2014.org) will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from 13–18 July 2014. The congress aims to have a scientific programme of the highest standard, catering for the diverse array of interests of basic and clinical pharmacologists. Cape Town is at the foot of Table Mountain, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, and has been awarded best destination in Africa for the 4th consecutive year by World Travel Awards.
The WCP2014 Programme Committee seeks input from national societies, divisions, sections and task committees of IUPHAR and other pharmacology interest groups to design a scientific programme:
Online Proposal for Sessions which are 1,5 or 2 hours long. A session may form part of a series of sessions within a Focussed Conference. Each submission should ideally include the proposal of a co-ordinator/chair, speakers and individual topics. Online proposal is at http://soafrica.com/events/wcp2014/form1.htm. Deadline for submission: 29 February 2012.
Online Proposal for Focussed Conferences, which has an over-arching theme for two to six sessions, (Focussed Conferences should include both basic and clinical aspects) is at http://soafrica.com/events/wcp2014/form2.htm. Deadline for submission: 29 February 2012.
Prof Gary Maartens, Chair: WCP2014 Programme Committee, said, "The wider the consultation and the more representative the feedback, the better this will enable the WCP2014 Programme Committee to design a scientific programme to meet the needs of your members. We appreciate your time and effort to assist us in this regard. (Please note! No enquiries will be responded to between 15 Dec 2011 and 5 Jan 2012.)"
[Source: SRI/MRC]
Centre for Communication Programs: 25th Leadership in Strategic Health Communication Workshop: Making a difference in infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and good government
The workshop integrates communication theory and experiential learning. The workshop features SCOPE WEB, an exciting, easy-to-learn computer software program that guides participants through the steps of designing effective health communication and advocacy strategies.
Duration: 3–22 June 2012
Application deadline: 1 March 2012. Please note that an early bird special on tuition is offered for all applications received before 1 February 2012.
This conference will bring together the key stakeholders involved in the innovation process of the healthcare sector in view of Europe 2020 and the Innovation Union Plan.
Building on the successful events of May 2010 and March 2011, the 2012 conference is organized by the services of the European Commission (DG Research and Innovation, DG Enterprise and Industry, DG Health and Consumers, DG for Regional Policy), in consultation with other relevant DGs, major health associations and stakeholders.
Please save the date in your diary!
The Conference will take place at FLAGEY, Place Sainte Croix (next to Place Flagey), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
The main objective of the conference is to act as an innovation in healthcare policy forum involving the key actors and policy-makers in order to:
Identify major challenges and build consensus to address them;
Develop initiatives and opportunities for Healthcare Innovation and,
Provide continuity with previous events.
2012 Conference sessions will develop two tracks:
"Removing borders in the health supply chain" assessing priorities achieved to date and areas where additional efforts are needed "Inequality and solidarity" exploring new challenges within EU and beyond.
Commissioner for Research and Innovation Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Vice-President of the European Commission Antonio Tajani, responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Commissioner for Health and Consumers, John Dalli and Regional Policy Commissioner, Johannes Hahn are invited to be among the speakers.
The programme of plenary and parallel sessions will allow a large space for debate and networking. It will be complemented by a small "fair" where associations and support structures will provide information to participants.
Information on the 2010 and 2011 conferences, including outcome reports, is available here.
Further information, including the draft programme and registration guidance, will be available by the start of January 2012.
COHRED/Global Forum for Health Research: Forum 2012
Cape Town, South Africa, 24–26 April 2012
Forum 2012 is the beginning of an exciting new series of the well-known and respected Global Forum for Health Research meetings. Under the theme of ”Beyond Aid… Research and Innovation as key drivers for Health, Equity and Development”, COHRED and the Global Forum for Health Research will focus on potentials, solutions, and developing capacities – specifically in low- and middle-income countries and emerging economies – and how global collaboration can leverage this for a new era of global development support.Forum 2012 will bring together seven key constituencies which are 1) governments, 2) research institutions, 3) business, 4) social enterprises / CSOs, 5) international organizations, 6) funders and 7) media and more. It will serve as a platform to bring together the world’s top change makers from both North and South to work together hand in hand through equal partnerships to effect change. If you are making changes for better health, equity and development, Forum 2012 is for you.
The conference intends to explore scientific innovation in the developing world and highlight its importance for sustainable development. It will also identify innovative solutions to overcome different problems in developing countries.
Third World Academy of science through its 5 regional offices, will be providing travel support for 50 young bio-scientists from developing countries to attend the meeting.
[Source: MIM]
Registration and Abstract Submissions for AIDS 2012 Now Open
Registration for the XIX International AIDS Conference is now open. All registrations for AIDS 2012 must be submitted through the online registration form. Before you can register, you need to create an online conference profile from which you can enter the registration system. If you already have a conference profile from previous IAS or AIDS conferences you can use the same login details.
AIDS 2012 is now welcoming the submission of abstracts for original contribution to the field in the following five programme tracks:
Track A: Basic Science
Track B: Clinical Science
Track C: Epidemiology and Prevention Science
Track D: Social Science, Human Rights and Political Science
Track E: Implementation Science, Health Systems and Economics
[Source: MRC TB Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit]
Fifth International Conference of Western Africa Network of Natural products Research Scientists WANNPRES)
Whispering Palms Resort, Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria, 6–9 August 2012
Theme 3 ‘ Tackling non-infectious diseases with medicinal plants and Natural products’
This meeting is aimed at developing best strategies for the education and training needed to advance the development of natural products, especially those used for the treatment of non-infectious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and hypertension.
[Source: MIM]
NRF Support Desk regarding updating of CVs
The NRF is opening several calls for submitting applications for funding. We therefore want to remind applicants to please update or complete their CVs on NRF Online as well. This should be done whether the application gets submitted electronically on the NRF systems (NRF Interim or NRF Online) or in hard copy format (e-mailed as a PDF document). Applications will unfortunately not be considered if the CV has not be completed or updated. Contact: Bettie de Beer, Support Desk Co-ordinator, GMSA:Support Desk, tel 012 481 4034, fax 086 623 2665, BETTIE@nrf.ac.za
[Source: NRF]
NRF Call for Applications for Evaluation and Rating - 2012
Applicants are invited to submit applications for evaluation and rating at http://nrfonline.nrf.ac.za
The NRF’s closing date for applications is 15 February 2012.
[Source: MRC NRF DA]
NRF re Acknowledgement of the National Research Foundation in research outputs accruing from NRF support
Please use “National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa” in these acknowledgements.
The ISI Web of Knowledge and specifically the Web of Science provide us with the ability to comprehensively analyse research publications. This capability allows the NRF to benchmark the performance of the NRF and the South African Science system as a whole. The funding agency analysis assists the NRF to measure its own performance in relation to other agencies. It also gives an indication of what is being funded by the various agencies both nationally and internationally.
As with every information system the quality and completeness of information generated are directly related to the quality and completeness of the data that are entered. While analysing the 2010 publications which involved South African authors we discovered that 55% of the 9 325 records did not contain sponsor information. A further analysis of the 55% revealed several authors who received grants from the NRF did not acknowledge the NRF. It is for this reason that we request all NRF Grantholders as well as the entire research community to acknowledge the NRF (if you receive NRF support) as well as other sponsors. This is critically important as the information allows the NRF to present an evidence-based case to government for additional resources for research. We trust that you will honour this request.
[Source: NRF]
Global Forum and COHRED now merged
In March 2011 the Global Forum for Health Research and COHRED were merged, combining the best of both organizations. The merged structure for the first time creates one platform for dialogue and policy shaping between the global health players and their country counterparts. As COHRED Board Chair Cheikh Mbacké has said, " The new organization will provide a significant added value to our activities in terms of bringing research and technical knowledge to the different players in the field of research and innovation for health." The two organizations are currently working under the name of The COHRED Group
[Source: The COHRED Group]
Launch of Africa Portal
The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Africa Portal at http://www.africaportal.org/.
The Africa Portal is an online knowledge resource offering researchers and opinion leaders a forum to share their insights on Africa and publish their work on pressing areas of concern to policymakers and the public. It aims to fill the gap in accessibility to research and information on policy issues on the continent.
A key feature of the Africa Portal is the online library collection, holding over 2,500 books, journals and digital documents relating to African policy issues. The entire online repository is open access and available for free full-text download. A portion of the digital documents housed in the library have been digitised for the first time as an undertaking of the Africa Portal project.
The project is a collaborative undertaking between SAIIA, the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Canada, and Makerere University in Uganda.
For further information on the Africa Portal, contact Shona Kohler, shona.kohler@wits.ac.za.
[Source: NRF]
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Last updated:
21 December, 2011
