This scheme strengthens scientific research capacity in low- and middle-income countries, by providing support for junior researchers to gain research experience and high-quality research training at Masters degree level.

Research projects should be aimed at understanding and controlling diseases (either human or animal) of relevance to local, national or global health. This can include laboratory based molecular analysis of field or clinical samples, but projects focused solely on studies in vitro or using animal models will not normally be considered under this scheme.

We are particularly interested in requests for research training support in the social sciences, demography, health economics, medical statistics and vector biology.

This fellowship is part of a series of career awards aimed at building sustainable capacity in areas of research that have the potential for increasing health benefits for people and their livestock in low- and middle-income countries.

This fellowship normally provides up to 30 months’ support. A period of 12 months should normally be dedicated to undertaking a taught Masters course at a recognised centre of excellence, combined with up to 18 months to undertake a research project.

While undertaking a Masters course, fellows will receive a stipend in accordance with the cost of living in the country in which he/she will be studying; travel costs and support for approved tuition fees. Masters training by distance learning is acceptable.

Masters course fees will be paid according to the rate charged by the training institution.

A salary is provided for the period of the research project. Project-dedicated research expenses (consumables, small items of equipment, collaborative travel and support to attend scientific meetings) are also provided. Overseas allowances will be provided where appropriate. Contributions to other costs of the project that are directly incurred by the overseas institution may also be provided.

Research-dedicated costs (excluding salary/stipend costs) should not exceed £20 000 per annum.

If the fellow is already in receipt of a salary from the host institution, the host institution may use this salary to pay for a replacement member of staff while the Trust provides the fellow’s salary/stipend for the duration of the fellowship. It is not expected that the fellow would receive a salary in addition to the one provided by the Trust.

Please note that the Trust is no longer accepting applications from current fellows who wish to extend their grants in order to undertake a PhD. The eligibility criteria for the Training Fellowship in Public Health and Tropical Medicine now includes applicants who have a clinical, basic or Master’s degree and some initial research experience, with the expectation that they will register for a PhD.

Eligibility

You should be:

• a national or legal resident of a low- and middle-income country, and hold a first degree in subject relevant to tropical medicine or public health (clinical or non-clinical)
• at an early stage in your career, with limited research experience, but have a demonstrated interest in or aptitude for research.

In general, fellowships may be held in ‘not for profit’ institutions that are able to sign up to our Grant Conditions. Institutions that have not previously received significant funding from us will be required to submit information to enable us to assess eligibility. Applications will not be considered by a Funding Committee until all eligibility checks have been completed.

Fellows must be based in a low- and middle-income country for their research project. The Trust does not provide Masters schemes for UK/RoI-based researchers.

Sponsorship and supervision

You must be based at an eligible host institution in a low- and middle-income country for the research project. Master’s training may be undertaken at a recognised centre of excellence in any location. Master’s degrees by distance learning can be supported.

You must identify an eligible sponsoring institution to administer the fellowship for the full tenure of the award. Applications must be submitted from this host institution and be supported by an appropriate sponsor holding an established post for the duration of the fellowship. Applications must also be supported by the head of the institution.

Your sponsor must guarantee that space and facilities will be made available for you.

An additional sponsor(s) must be identified for periods to be spent outside the host institution (i.e. the institution(s) where periods of training will take place).

You should also be supported by appropriate supervisors who will provide independent support, mentorship and advice in all relevant research areas for the duration of the fellowship.

Sponsors and supervisors should have ongoing research programmes and a track record in research, research training and mentorship.

A sponsor may also be nominated as a supervisor where appropriate.

A completed application form [Word 1.58MB] should be submitted by the sponsor by the published deadline. The form should be emailed to phatic@wellcome.ac.uk.

How to apply

The application should include details of your sponsor’s track record in training and a list of their other students at the institution. It must be supported by the head of the institution where the research will be based, and a career plan for the proposed candidate must be included.

Notes for guidance [Word 208KB] should be read before completing the application form.

The full application will be reviewed by the relevant Funding Committee, which makes the final decision. Please note that candidates are not interviewed for this fellowship.

Applications are considered twice a year.

• Next full application deadline: 5 August 2011
• Final decision by Funding Committee: 15-16 December 2011

Late applications will not be considered.

Fellowships must be taken up within one year of award.

Contact

Enquiries may be directed to phatic@wellcome.ac.uk, the appropriate stream, or by telephone to the Grants Service Desk: +44 (0)20 7611 2020.

Immunology and Infectious Disease
E iid@wellcome.ac.uk

Populations and Public Health
E pph@wellcome.ac.uk

Neuroscience and Mental Health
E nmh@wellcome.ac.uk

Physiological Sciences
E phs@wellcome.ac.uk

Molecules, Genes and Cells
E mgc@wellcome.ac.uk