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CARTA – Call for PhD Applications, 2016/2017

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8 years ago

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Makerere University, Main Building in the background.

Background

The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is an initiative of nine African universities, four African research institutes, and select northern partners. CARTA offers an innovative model for doctoral training in sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen the capacity of participating institutions to conduct and lead internationally-competitive research.

The multi-disciplinary CARTA program is open to staff of participating institutions who are interested in conducting their PhD research on topics relevant to the broad fields of public and population health. We welcome applications from any discipline, such as public health, demography, anthropology, communication, and economics, among others, as long as the research question aims to contribute to public and population health issues in Africa.

Over the medium-term, CARTA aims to produce a critical mass of high-quality graduates trained to address the complex issues surrounding health and development in Africa, retain them in the region, and provide them with a vibrant intellectual environment, as well as viable and challenging research and growth opportunities. CARTA aims to achieve reforms in higher education by:

1. Assisting universities to develop enriching and vibrant academic and research environments; and

2. Supporting promising African scholars who teach at affiliated universities to obtain high-quality doctoral training in public and population health-related fields.

CARTA is currently offering a collaborative doctoral training program in public and population health. This program has been developed in response to the great challenges faced by Africa’s institutions of higher education in addressing the training and retention of the next generation of academics in the region. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Specifically, CARTA seeks to fund candidates who will be future leaders in their institutions; that is, young, capable, and committed individuals who, in time, will ensure that their universities will be the institutions of choice for future generations of academics and university administrators wishing to make a positive impact on public and population health in Africa.

Successful applicants will attend CARTA’s innovative series of Joint Advanced Seminars (JAS) for cohorts of doctoral students admitted and registered in the participating African universities.

Both the development and delivery of these courses are jointly-led by regional and international experts. The seminars consist of didactic sessions, discussions, demonstrations, and practice labs. These activities collectively serve to:

1. Expose students to key theories and concepts, seminal readings, and research methods of disciplines relevant to public and population health;

2. Train students in critical research skills; and

3. Build and maintain a network of researchers for scientific collaborations, professional support, and mutually beneficial exchange of scientific resources.

The advanced seminars are offered once annually for four years to each cohort and build skills and conceptual depth from year to year. Each JAS runs for 3 to 4 weeks. Specific topics covered in each JAS include the following:

  •  JAS-1 builds critical thinking, technical skills, and other core research competencies, and introduce students to the essential concepts and seminal articles of the disciplines brought together under CARTA
  •  JAS-2 focuses on data management and analysis. Fellows learn to use software packages for qualitative and quantitative data management and analyses. Practice sessions use real research data and current software packages for hands-on training
  • JAS-3 focuses on data presentation, the doctoral dissertation, and scientific writing and communication skills to facilitate results dissemination and policy engagement
  •  JAS-4 addresses professional development including skills necessary to manage and teach large class sizes, raise and manage research funds, grant writing and research management. JAS-4 is also designed to serve as an opportunity for senior fellows to practice mentoring of junior fellows through discussions and laboratory sessions, software training, and general information sharing.

During the 2016/2017 academic year, the CARTA program is planning to offer up to 25 PhD fellowships. The Fellowship, which is tenable at one of the participating African universities, includes the cost of fellows’ participation in the advanced seminars; a modest monthly stipend; small grants for research activities; a laptop loaded with relevant software; funds for travel to conferences, as well as costs for participating in joint program activities. The fellowship runs for a maximum of four years. Fellowships cover tuition fees, medical insurance, and other university fees in special circumstances only. Partner institutions have committed to continue paying Fellows’ salaries (or equivalent) and to modify workloads for the fellows to enable them to fully participate in CARTA organized activities pertaining to their PhD program and also to concentrate on their PhD studies. Fellows are encouraged to seek supplemental funding to cover additional costs of their doctoral program.

Participating African Universities

  • Makerere University, Uganda.
  • Moi University, Kenya.
  • Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.
  • University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
  • University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
  • University of Malawi, Malawi.
  • University of Nairobi, Kenya.
  • University of Rwanda, Rwanda.
  • University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Participating Research Institutes

  • African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya.
  • Agincourt Health and Population Unit, South Africa.
  • Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Tanzania
  • KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya.

Northern Partners

  • Brown University, USA.
  • Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR), Canada.
  • Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Switzerland.
  • Umeå University, Sweden.
  • University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • University of Warwick, UK.

Eligibility

  • A Masters degree in a relevant field.
  • Prior admission into a PhD program is not required for application but awards are contingent on such admission being obtained at one of the participating African universities.
  • Applicants for this program must be teaching or research staff at one of the participating African institutions and should be committed to contributing towards building capacity at their institutions.
  • Applicants’ PhD research proposal must be related to public and population health.
  • Fellowships are only open to people who have not yet registered for a PhD or are in the very early stages (first year) of the PhD program.
  • Applicants must commit to participation in all four annual residential Joint Advanced Seminars (JASes), and to engage in inter-seminar activities designed to keep fellows actively engaged and in continual communication with peers and mentors.
  • Male applicants must be under the age of 40 years and female applicants under the age 45 years.

Application Procedure

  1. Contact the CARTA focal person) at your institution to discuss your interest and obtain application materials. Application forms may also be downloaded from the CARTA website (www.cartafrica.org)
  2. Submit your application to the local CARTA committee in your institution (also email a copy of all application materials to (carta@aphrc.org ), which will conduct the initial screening process and submit successful applications to the CARTA secretariat. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2016.
  3. If successful at the university selection level, the CARTA secretariat will inform and contact you to proceed to the next level
  4. Successful applicants at the university selection level will be expected to:
  5. ​ Complete an online-based pre-JAS, Part I tasks
  6. A competency course (June 5, 2016 – July 5, 2016)
  7. Send a full application to the CARTA secretariat. The deadline for submission of the full application is July 5, 2016.

5.​ Final fellowship decision, which is independent of the university application, will be communicated by CARTA secretariat by November 1, 2016. 

The Application Form can be accessed from the link below.

CARTA Focal Persons

1. Makerere University, Uganda

Prof. Anne Katahoire

Director, Child Health and Development Centre
Faculty of Medicine
Makerere University
P.O. Box 6717, Kampala, UGANDA
Tel: +256 414 541684/530325
Email: annekatahoire@yahoo.co.uk

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, UGANDA Tel: +256-414-530983 Cell: +256-774515366 Fax: +256-414-533809 Email: buyinza@rgt.mak.ac.ug; buyinza@forest.mak.ac.ug

2. Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Prof. Anthony Aluko Mabayoje

Department of Sociology & Anthropology Faculty of Social Sciences Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Ile-Ife, NIGERIA Tel: +234 8 054 854 861 Email: niyialuko@oauife.edu.ng, maoaluko@yahoo.com   Prof. Peju Esimai College of Health Sciences Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Ile-Ife, NIGERIA Tel: + 2348037211457 pejuesimayi@yahoo.com

3. Moi University, Kenya

Prof. Anne Nangulu Director, Quality Assurance Moi University P.O. Box 3900 30100 Eldoret, KENYA Tel: +254 53 43093 (office) Mobile: +254 733 870 502 Email: anangulu@yahoo.com; deanarts@mu.ac.ke

 

4. University of Ibadan, Nigeria

 

Prof. Akinyinka Omigbodun College of Medicine University of Ibadan, NIGERIA Tel: + 234 803 323 0457 Email: omigbodun@yahoo.com; omigbodun@gmail.com   Dr. Funke Fayehun Department of Sociology University of Ibadan, NIGERIA Tel: + 234 803 323 0457 Email: cl_funke@yahoo.com

5. University of Rwanda, Rwanda

Dr. Pierre Claver Rutayisire

College of Business and Economics University of Rwanda Huye-campus BP 117, Butare, RWANDA Tel: +250788864744 Email: p.c.rutayisire@ur.ac.rw ; rutayisirepc@gmail.com   Dr. Egide Ntangungira Kayonga College of Medicine and Health Sciences Po. Box: 3286 Kigali, RWANDA Email: entagungira@ur.ac.rw

6. University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Prof. Esther W. Dungumaro Director of International Relations University of Dar es Salaam P. O. Box 35091 Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA Tel: +255 757 753396 Email: edungumaro@udsm.ac.tz; dungumaro@gmail.com

 

Dr. Lucy Namkinga Molecular Biology & Biotech Department University of Dar es Salaam P. O. Box 35091 Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA Email: odulajalucy@yahoo.com

7. University of Malawi, Malawi

Prof. Kamija Phiri College of Medicine University of Malawi Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, MALAWI +265 999957048 Email: kamijaphiri@gmail.com   Prof. Adamson S. Muula Department of Community Health College of Medicine University of Malawi Private Bag 360,Blantyre 3, MALAWI Tel: +265 884 233 486 Email: amuula@medcol.mw

8.University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Dr. Jude Igumbor

Senior Lecturer, PhD program Wits School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA Tel: +27 72 791 59 27 Email: Jude.Igumbor@wits.ac.za ; judeigumbor@yahoo.co.uk

9. University of Nairobi, Kenya

Prof. Kimani Murungaru

Director, Population Studies & Research Institute University of Nairobi P.O. Box 30197 Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254 20 318262 Ext 28029 Email: murungaruk@uonbi.ac.ke

Dr. Dismas Ongore

Senior Lecturer University of Nairobi School of Public Health P.O. Box 30197 Nairobi, KENYA +254 020 2724639 Email: dongore@uonbi.ac.ke.   Research Organizations

Ifakara Health and Development Research Centre, Tanzania

Prof. Honorati Masanja Project Head Ifakara Health and Development Research Centre P.O. Box 53, Mlabani Passage, Ifakara, TANZANIA Tel: +255 232 625 164; +255 232 625 377 Mobile +255784605046 Email: hmasanja@ihi.or.tz   Dr. Rose Nathan Ifakara Health and Development Research Centre P.O. Box 53, Mlabani Passage, Ifakara, TANZANIA Email: rnathan@ihi.or.tz; rosenathan2001@yahoo.co.uk

African Population and Health Research Center, Kenya

Dr. Chimaraoke Izugbara Director, Research Capacity Strengthening Division African Population and Health Research Center P. O. Box 10787-00100, Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254-20-2720400/1/2 Email: cizugbara@aphrc.org

Agincourt Health and Population Unit, South Africa

Prof. Kathleen Kahn Associate Professor Health and Population Division School of Public Health University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA Tel: +27 11 717 2606 Email: Kathleen.Kahn@wits.ac.za

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Scholars & Alumni of Mastercard Foundation light up Achukudu Community, Napak District

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11 hours ago

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December 4, 2023

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Scholars, Alumni and the community of Achukudu Primary School during the commissioning of the classroom block on 2nd December 2023. Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback), 2nd December 2023, Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District, Karamoja, Uganda, East Africa.

By Bernard Buteera

On Saturday 2nd December 2023, all roads led to Achukudu Community Primary School in Napak District, Karamoja sub-region, as the Scholars and Alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University commemorated their Scholars’ Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback). The 2023 Scholars Annual Day of Community Service was held at Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District in the Karamoja sub-region. Established in 2013, Achukudu Community School serves two ethnic communities—The Iteso and Karamojong.

With a total population of 1,907 pupils only three government-paid teachers, and nine community-paid teachers, the School faces a plethora of challenges. Key among the challenges is the lack of Classrooms, decent Ventilated Pit Latrines, and Desks. Therefore when the Scholars identified the School as one that deserved to be given a gift of a classroom block, it was a befitting choice!

The Scholars with support from the alumni, the Program Team, Members of the Steering Committee, and partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University intervened by constructing a two-classroom block, which was supervised by one of the alumni who is an Engineer. Alongside the classroom block, the Scholars also provided 40 desks, helping the school meet UNEB Center eligibility criteria.

Hon. John Bosco Ngoya, the area MP (Right) who was the chief guest, addressing the gathering. Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback), 2nd December 2023, Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District, Karamoja, Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. John Bosco Ngoya, the area MP (Right) who was the chief guest, addressing the gathering.

While presiding over the event, the area member of Parliament, Hon. John Bosco Ngoya, thanked the Scholars and alumni community at Makerere University for supporting the young pupils of Achukudu Primary School and the entire community by gifting them with a two-classroom block.

“Thank you Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University for the Christmas gift of a classroom block to the young people and the entire community of Achukudu. This classroom block will go a long way in improving the learning environment of the young children of Achukudu primary school.” Hon. Ngoya pointed out.

Hon. Ngoya called upon other people to emulate the Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation in embracing the spirit of giving back to the vulnerable people in the community. On his part, he donated One Million Five hundred shillings (1,500,000/=) to help the School purchase more desks, and he had earlier contributed One million shillings (1,000,000/=) towards the construction of the classroom block.

Ms. Joyce Nakoya, the District Education Officer, Napak District. Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback), 2nd December 2023, Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District, Karamoja, Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Joyce Nakoya, the District Education Officer, Napak District.

The District Education Officer (DEO) for Napak District, Ms. Joyce Nakoya, praised the Scholars Community for embracing and practicing the spirit of giving back to other people at an early age.

“Thank you Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere for embracing the spirit of giving back to other people at such an early age. If all people gave back to the less privileged in our communities, we would have a better world for everyone.” Ms. Nakoya pointed out.

Ms. Nakoya further pointed out every child deserves to study in a decent environment, therefore it was a befitting cause for the Scholars to construct a classroom block for the young pupils of Achukudu community primary school, who were studying in open grass thatched classrooms.

Ms. Jolly Okumu, the Program Coordinator of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University. Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback), 2nd December 2023, Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District, Karamoja, Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Jolly Okumu, the Program Coordinator of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

The Program Manager of, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Ms. Jolly Okumu who led the team of Scholars, alumni, and staff to Karamoja thanked the community of Achukudu for supporting the Scholars to deliver the class block by contributing to the construction sand. 

“We come here today to join with you as a community driven by a shared commitment to education, empowerment, and ethos of giving back. Today is a historic occasion as we celebrate the completion and commissioning of the classroom block, which is a remarkable testament to the transformative power of education and our unwavering spirit of community service.” Ms. Jolly remarked.

The President of the Scholars Association, Mr. Godfrey Okello, thanked all the Scholars and alumni, and all stakeholders who contributed to the construction of the classroom block, which was a dream that became a reality.

The new classroom block and desks that were donated by the Scholars and Alumni of Mastercard Foundation. Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback), 2nd December 2023, Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District, Karamoja, Uganda, East Africa.
The new classroom block and desks that were donated by the Scholars and Alumni of Mastercard Foundation.

“I would like to thank my colleagues and people of goodwill who supported us to realize our dream of constructing this classroom for our young brothers and sisters of Achukudu Primary School. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our fellow young people in Uganda and Africa as a whole.” Mr. Okello remarked.

The Headteacher of the School, Mr. Eryebu Raymond, who was visibly very excited was full of praises for Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation, for what he termed as an iconic classroom block they had gifted to his School. 

“This day is very special to us, we will not see this day again. We are delighted to receive the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation from Makerere University, thank you for considering supporting our School” Mr. Eryebu excitedly remarked.

Mr. Raymond Eryebu, the Headteacher of Achukudu Primary School addressing the gathering. Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback), 2nd December 2023, Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District, Karamoja, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Raymond Eryebu, the Headteacher of Achukudu Primary School addressing the gathering.

The Headteacher revealed that one of the major challenges the school was facing was an acute shortage of classrooms for his 1,097 pupils. He was therefore grateful to Mastercard Foundation Scholars for choosing to construct a two-class block for the School.

“This donation of a classroom block and Desks is a testament to your commitment to education and empowering the lives of the vulnerable people in the community. This classroom block and desks will go a long way in improving the quality of teaching and learning at our school.” Mr. Eryebu further remarked.

The 2023 Scholars Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback) was punctuated with a lot of joy, pomp, and fanfare, as the pupils and the entire community of Achukudu danced and ululated at the commissioning of the classroom block. The construction of the classroom block and purchase of desks for Achukudu Community Primary School was made possible by generous contributions by the Scholars, alumni, the Program Team, and members of the Steering Committee.

The old grass thatched structure that the pupils were using as their classroom block. Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback), 2nd December 2023, Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District, Karamoja, Uganda, East Africa.
The old grass thatched structure that the pupils were using as their classroom block.

Among the Partners who made financial contributions towards the class block construction included; DFCU Bank, Post Bank, URA, Katumba Estates, Footsteps Furniture Ltd, and Sion Travels Ltd.

The Scholars and Alumni Day of Community Service (Give back) is an annual event, where Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation go out into the community to give back by providing solutions to challenges that a particular community is facing. Over the years Scholars have given back to the communities in numerous ways that range from offering professional services and erecting major projects like classroom blocks.

Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

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Innovations using low cost locally available materials for point of use water treatment system unveiled

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4 days ago

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December 1, 2023

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The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) conducted a Research Dissemination of two studies aimed at the Development of Materials for point of use water treatment systems.

The investigations were conducted by a team of researchers comprised of P. W. Olupot, H. M. Kalibbala, E. Menya, G.M. Wangi, J. Jjagwe, J. Wakatuntu, M. Turyasingura, R. Walozi, C. Kanyesigye and R. N. Kulabako.

The dissemination event held on Wednesday 29th November 2023 follows the successful completion of two MakRIF supported Research projects namely; Development of rice husk based granular activated carbon for point-of-use water treatment systems and Development of zeolite-based nanocomposite filters for drinking water treatment.

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Apac District gains from CEDAT’s Research on Piloting a Rural Broadband Connectivity Model and Efficacious patient management system

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4 days ago

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December 1, 2023

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The School of Engineering at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) shared findings of research that was conducted in Apac Districts through two projects namely Piloting a Rural Broadband Connectivity Model (RCBM) and Efficacious patient management system (EPMS).

The findings of the research sponsored by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University research and Innovation Fund(MakRIF) were disseminated during a dissemination seminar held in the College on Friday 24th November 2023, where it was revealed that  Apac the host District greatly benefited from the services that not only led to the increased uptake of internet services but also gained through other socio economic areas.

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