Clinical Trials Methodology Research – optimising the design, conduct, analysis, reporting and interpretation of trials (RESEARCH ABOUT RESEARCH)

The way trials are designed, conducted, analysed, reported and interpreted should continually be questioned so that they are optimal and responsive for a broad range of stakeholders. A new partnership will increase capacity for trials methodology research, with the following working groups: Trial conduct, Stratified Medicine, Health Informatics, Adaptive Designs, Outcomes, Health Economics, Statistical Analysis, and Global Health

The UK NIHR-MRC Trials Methodology Research Partnership has made available funds for small pump-priming grants of between £2000 and £10000 specifically for methodology research projects relevant to Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) for:

• A small trials methodology research project (typically proof-of-principle studies to facilitate further funding through other funders)
• Hosting of a local, national or regional workshop/meeting about trials methodology research with a view to subsequently developing a project
• An exchange visit(s) to or from another TMRP member/partner working on the same project or with a view to developing a collaborative project

Deadline midnight (GMT) 1st March 2020

For details visit the Global Health Methodology Research website or contact Elizabeth.allen@uct.ac.za

For background on/examples of trials methodology research visit the Hubs for Trials Methodology Research website including the Guidance, Webinars and Working Groups sections

We are particularly interested in increasing the number of core outcome sets (the minimum outcomes that should be measured and reported in all trials of a specific condition) relevant to LMICs and/or developed by LMICs

HARRY OPPENHEIMER FELLOWSHIP AWARD 2019

Proposals may be submitted directly to the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (deadline: 25 October 2019, see contact details in the enclosed PDF call)

OR

should advice and editorial support in preparing nominations be preferred, via the UCT Research Office (revised internal deadline: 1 October 2019), send all documentation except for referee reports to Mbasa.Mguye@uct.ac.za

This Award focuses unambiguously on excellence and exceptional scholarship. It is granted to candidates of the highest calibre to enable them to undertake a programme of cutting edge, internationally significant work. The Award carries a monetary value of R1.5 million.

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• The Award seeks to attract world-class candidates with visionary ideas based on an exceptionally well-developed grasp of a field or topic;
• It is intended to enable scholars based in South Africa to undertake a programme of work that will ‘build the academy’ and contribute richly to intellectual life;
• It aims to strengthen relationships and partnerships between local and international institutions and the Trust.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Trust will consider candidates who meet the following criteria:

• UCT researchers who are South African residents;
• Outstanding achievers who are very well established in their field;
• Leading international scholars with many years of advanced research and a track record of sustained intellectual effort;
• Present a submission that describes a clearly focused and specific project that offers a ‘visionary idea’ that represents a paradigm shift in current thinking, seeks to make important discoveries and contribute significantly to new knowledge;
• Demonstrate a commitment to transferring skills and building capacity in South Africa.

Previous applicants or short-listed candidates are eligible to apply.

Special consideration will also be given to the following points:

·       The value of the proposed work: its particular application to teaching, research and development in South Africa; its potential to push the frontiers of knowledge in the given field or area of interest; its contribution to the advancement or application of knowledge in the service of society;

·       The coherence and practicability of the proposed programme and its feasibility within the limit set for the Award and the given timeframe of approximately one year;

·       The candidate’s proven achievement and the ability to profit from the use of the Award.

• By proven achievement the Trust would be looking for candidates who have inter alia: attracted research funding on a competitive basis; published peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals or scholarly books through high-profile publishers; successfully supervised graduate students to completion; and secured invitations to, and seats on, international bodies and institutions

REQUIRED SUBMISSIONS

Written submissions must be supported by the following information:

·     An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (not exceeding 6 pages);

·     A complete list of publications (by way of an annexure);

·     A brief synopsis in lay terms (2 to 3 A4 pages) of the work to be undertaken, with a  written motivation explaining the reasons for the work;

·     Details of the proposed work programme, including estimated timeframes and budgetary costs (specifying the major components of the budget and associated expenses within the limit set and based on realistic needs) and commentary on the envisaged outputs and outcomes;

• Referee reports from at least four highly-placed referees of international standing who are familiar with the candidate's work. Referees should be properly briefed about the nature of the Award and its significance so that their remarks are directed appropriately. The reports must be submitted under separate and confidential cover directly to the Trust at CDigby@omt.org.za. 

NOMINATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS

• Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the Trust.
• Only the complete and eligible applications will receive the required institutional endorsement for submission to the Trust.
• The Trust will engage in a formal selection process and no correspondence on its decision will be entered into.
• Short-listed candidates or finalists should be available for interviews late January / early February 2020.

PAYMENT AND REPORTING

Funds will be disbursed in two instalments – an initial payment in advance and the second at the half-way stage, on submission of a progress report to the Trust. The Fellow will be required to submit a reflective report (including commentary on the impact of the work) to the Trust within six months of completion of the programme and undertake to deliver a public lecture on the work.

Call for applications

Phase 2 of DHET University Staff Doctoral Programme (USDP)

Closing date: 25 January 2019

Applications must be completed online via this link (click here)

(Applicants to please email Amanda Barratt a brief summary for UCT’s internal tracking of submissions)

The Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) is implementing the University Staff Doctoral Programme (USDP). The first Phase of this programme was launched in July 2018 with the Department partnering with the United States universities in supporting the development of academics who are employed by South African Universities specifically to pursue PhDs/Doctoral studies. The Department has partnered with the British Council to initiate the second Phase of the USDP which is planned to commence in the academic year of 2019. This is a DHET – British Council partnership to implement the next phase of the USDP through collaborations between South African and UK universities.

Universities are therefore invited and encouraged to take this opportunity of leading a USDP programme that will see our academics enrolling for PhDs/Doctoral studies in collaboration with UK universities. The Call will close on 25 January 2019.

This is a call for universities to apply for a grant to enable partnership discussions and joint programme development in support of doctoral training for South African academics. This is an exciting opportunity to forge new links and partnerships and to strengthen existing links between SA and UK universities.

This collaboration grants call is a preparatory phase for the USDP Phase 2 proposal submissions where SA-UK universities will be required to submit their final proposals in support of doctoral training for academics at SA institutions. Through this call a maximum of 15 grants to the value of GBP 5,000-10,000 (ZAR 180,000) will be awarded to SA and UK universities.

Attached is a summary of the call.

Please follow the link below for applications:

https://www.britishcouncil.org.za/programmes/education/sa-uk-university-staff-doctoral-programme