Fellowships

IDRC/UCSF/Stanford Postdoctoral Fellowship in Malaria Research

Created to address inequities in opportunities to develop and sustain a scientific career, this fellowship will advance the career trajectory of promising PhD-level Ugandan scientists. Young scientists in Uganda face major barriers in achieving scientific independence. Many have successfully completed PhD programs and substantially contributed to malaria research projects, but then lack the mentoring, funding, and opportunities needed to lead their own research. As a result, many promising scientists are unable to transition to leading their own independent research programs.

The IDRC/UCSF/Stanford Postdoctoral Fellowship in Malaria Research will support PhD-level Ugandan scientists working with the Infectious Disease Research Collaboration (IDRC). This fellowship will provide up to $15,000 for individuals to spend time with an overseas collaborator (e.g. in the US, Europe, or Australia) learning new skills, presenting at a conference or meeting, and importantly, having protected time for mentored grant writing and guidance on transition to scientific independence. This short, structured time has the potential to dramatically influence the trajectory of the recipient’s career.

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS:

Description of award: 

• Up to $15,000 to spend over 12 months with an overseas mentor (or multiple mentors/locations if needed)
• The primary goal is to provide protected time for mentored grant writing and guidance on the transition to scientific independence
• o Secondary activities for the award period can include learning new laboratory skills and presenting at a conference or meeting.

Eligibility: 

• PhD completed within the last 10 years or if currently enrolled in a PhD program anticipated completion within 1 year
• Ugandan citizenship
• Proven track record in malaria research and in a position to lead independent work
• Not eligible if already a lead Principal Investigator on a grant that was successfully funded

Requirements for application: 

• 3-page proposal including detailed plans for award period, justification for choice of mentor, and description of how this period will benefit career
• NIH-style biosketch (further instructions at this link)
• Budget (including: travel, housing, food, supplies)
• Letter of support from overseas mentor
• Reference letter from local mentor or supervisor

Requirements after acceptance: 

• Utilize funds within 1 year
• Submit written report following award period
• Provide annual updates on manuscripts/grants/etc. for 5 years

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE DONORS:

In order to create a funding base to make this award sustainable over the coming years, we humbly request your financial support. This is an opportunity to tangibly support equity in science and to make a big impact with a relatively small amount of money. Any funds donated will directly benefit the growth of a Ugandan scientist’s career, as well as the education and careers of his/her future trainees. We will rigorously evaluate the return on these investments through annual check-ins with the grantee following their award.

UCSF is kindly hosting the fund and periodically transferring the funds to IDRC, which enables donations to be tax deductible in the US. You can donate at this link.