Deadline: August 15, 2021
Applications are open for the African Center for Translational Genomics (ACTG) PhD Scholarship 2021. This scholarship will enhance Africa’s competitive advantage in the genomics research and development space, globally, by reaching and assisting young scientists as early as possible in their career.
The successful candidates will be working with the NCD-GHS team and expected to either focus on exploring the genetic epidemiology or the molecular genetics of some Non-Communicable Diseases (cancers, diabetes, thyroid disorders, parkinson’s, alzheimer’s and sickle cell).
Scholarship
- The scholarship offer is competitive based on prevailing rates in both public and private universities in Africa. Up to $4,000 is available per scholar per year for up to 4 years.
- Scholarship awards may be applied towards tuition, housing, study related travels as well as other study related activities. The total allocation approvable will be determined based on the Scholarship Committee’s evaluation of the applications submitted.
- Up to 4 scholarships will be awarded this year. This scholarship will be offered annually in subsequent years.
Eligibility
- Open to African graduates with a passion for research and excellent academic results.
- This scholarship is for students enrolled in full-time PhD programs and who are committed to the completion of their program within the three or four year period of their study as defined by their academic institutions.
- Applicants admitted to study molecular genetics or genetic epidemiology or related fields.
- All applicants must be bonafide students of any University located in Africa, having gained admission through procedures defined by such Universities. ACTG would neither facilitate nor influence admission of applicants into any University.
- The ACTG is committed to equality of opportunity. No applicant will be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of gender (including gender reassignment), marital or parental status, race, ethnic or national origin, colour, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age. The primary consideration in the selection of Scholars will be applicants’ ability to meet the selection criteria for each scholarship.
Selection Criteria
All applicants that meet the eligibility criteria at the close of application deadline, will be shortlisted for an interview. At the interview stage, successful awardees would be selected based on the following criteria:
- Outstanding academic record
- Applicant’s aptitude for the program and potential for genomics leadership in the future
- Student motivation
Application
The applicant should submit the following documents in a single PDF file:
- Statement of interest from the applicant indicating academic qualifications, research interests, his/her suitability to work with the NCD-GHS and career goals (one paragraph for each criterion). Additional information on past research projects, on-campus or off-campus activities and accomplishments that would aid the Committee in reaching its decision can also be included (max. 2 pages).
- CV of the applicant.
- Research proposal summary in either genetic epidemiology or molecular genetics of any of the NCDs highlighted above (max. 4 pages).
- Letter of support from the department chair or faculty supervisor of the applicant stating the student’s academic qualifications and accomplishments, career goals, and reasons for selecting the candidate (max. 2 pages).
For more information, visit ACTG PhD Scholarship.
