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EDCTP and Africa CDC partner to train 150 highly skilled epidemiologists and biostatisticians in Africa

Fri, Mar 5, 2021

On 10 April 2020, the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched a 5 million EUR call for proposals. The call aims to establish an African cohort of epidemiologists by supporting institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe that develop such cadres through Master’s degree training in epidemiology and biostatistics.

Africa faces many challenges with its public health response to outbreaks - epidemiological data is often unavailable or severely limited; there is a shortage of skilled personnel and systems to collect and analyze available data, and efficiently translate this to inform policy and practice. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the severe shortages of the health research workforce, infrastructure and capacity for conducting research, as well as the capacity to develop drugs, vaccines, diagnostic tests and laboratory supplies in the African region.

The 10 successful projects (out of 45 applicants) will result in the training of a cohort of 150 epidemiologists recruited from across sub-Saharan Africa.
A network of 51 organisations are involved in the 10 successful projects - 42 organisations in West, East, Central and Southern regions of sub-Saharan Africa, 9 organisations in Europe. These 51 organisations include 24 leading universities in Europe and Africa, working in partnership with NPHIs, Ministries of Health, as well as other research and not for profit organisations.

https://www.edctp.org/news/edctp-africa-cdc-partner-train-highly-skilled-epidemiologists-biostatisticians-africa/


2021 GACD Implementation Science School - 29 November 2021 to 10 December 2021

Mon, Sep 13, 2021

Applications are now open for the 2021 GACD Implementation Science School!

The School will take place online over seven days between 29 November and 10 December 2021.
This unique opportunity is perfect for early-career researchers working in NCD prevention and management – particularly those based in low- and middle-income countries – to build their knowledge, skills, and confidence in the field of implementation science.

Through expert-led lectures, small group sessions, facilitated group work, and panel discussions, participants will learn how to study and implement research findings into policy and practice, select and apply theories, models, and frameworks, and create a professional network for future collaborations.

Apply here: https://gacd.org/research/implementation-science-capacity-building/2021-gacd-implementation-science-school-online
Applications are open until 30 September 2021.

WHO Guidance for Best Practices for Clinical Trials - 4 DECEMBER 2024

Thu, Nov 21, 2024

Recently released World Health Organization (WHO) guidance for best practices for clinical trials set a new standard for clinical research, placing participant and community engagement at the forefront to ensure trials meet public needs and build trust. Key updates focus on inclusive trial reforms, particularly for underrepresented groups like children, pregnant women, and older adults.
This guidance advocates for risk-based approaches rather than blanket regulations, emphasizing ethics, efficiency, and tailored oversight. WHO further provides practical recommendations for health and regulatory authorities to streamline and support clinical trials, backed by recommendations for sustained funding.
SFA Foundation through its  Clinical Research and Trials Community Programme and the World Health Organization (WHO) have planned a joint webinar for the African clinical research ecosystem players to explore these transformative guidelines and practical steps to align clinical trials with WHO standards and strengthen local research capacities. 


Wellcome Trust Wellcome Discovery Awards - deadline 11 April 2023

Mon, Mar 13, 2023
  • Application deadline = 11 April 2023
  • Next application deadline = 25 July 2023
  • Level of funding = you should ask for the resources you need for your research programme (refer to the link for detail on allowable staff costs)
  • Duration of funding = usually 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines
  • Link = https://wellcome.org/grant-funding/schemes/discovery-awards