Applications open for the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Fellowship

Applications are currently being accepted for the PhD Fellowship offered by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) for the year 2025. CARTA is a collaborative effort involving eight African universities, four African research institutes, and eight non-African partners. Its primary objective is to enhance the research capabilities of African institutions, with a specific focus on addressing health and development challenges in the region.

Target of the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Fellowship

• CARTA has introduced a unique doctoral training program in public and population health as part of its innovative approach.
• This program aims to tackle the significant obstacles faced by African higher education institutions in training and retaining the next generation of academics in the region.
• The fellowship seeks to support individuals who demonstrate potential to become future leaders in their respective institutions.
• These individuals should possess the qualities of youth, capability, and commitment, ensuring that their universities become the preferred choice for upcoming generations of academics and university administrators who aspire to make a positive impact on public and population health in Africa.
• The CARTA PhD fellowship is open to staff members of participating institutions who are interested in conducting research for their PhD in areas related to public and population health.
• Applications from various disciplines, including public health, demography, anthropology, communication, and economics, among others, are welcome as long as the research question contributes to addressing public and population health issues in Africa.
• CARTA is dedicated to promoting gender equality in access to training programs and governance structures, and implements measures to support the progress of women in academia (refer to CARTA’s gender position). Therefore, women are strongly encouraged to apply for the fellowship.

The JAS program of the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Fellowship

The JAS program is conducted once a year for a duration of four years, catering to each cohort. Over the years, the program aims to enhance skills and deepen conceptual understanding. Each JAS session spans from 3 to 4 weeks and covers specific topics.

• JAS-1 focuses on developing critical thinking, technical skills, and core research competencies. It also introduces students to the fundamental concepts and influential articles from various disciplines under CARTA.
• JAS-2 emphasizes data management and analysis. Participants learn to utilize software packages for qualitative and quantitative data management and analysis. Practical sessions involve working with real research data and current software packages for hands-on training.
• JAS-3 concentrates on data presentation, doctoral dissertation preparation, and honing scientific writing and communication skills. The aim is to facilitate the dissemination of research findings and engagement with policy-making.
• JAS-4 addresses professional development, including the acquisition of skills necessary for managing and teaching large class sizes, securing and managing research funds, grant writing, and research management.

Eligible African Institutions for the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Fellowship

• Makerere University, Uganda
• Moi University, Kenya
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
• University of Ibadan, Nigeria
• Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi and Associates (through Kamuzu)
• University of Nairobi, Kenya
• University of Rwanda, Rwanda
• University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa (please note that South Africans are not eligible)
• Somali National University, Somalia (through collaboration with Makerere University)
• African Population and Health Research Center, Kenya
• Agincourt Health and Population Unit, South Africa
• Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania

Eligibility:Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Fellowship

• – A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• – Prior admission into a PhD program is not necessary for application, but awards are dependent on obtaining such admission at one of the participating African universities.
• – Applicants must be full-time teaching or research staff at one of the participating African institutions and committed to capacity building.
• – The PhD research proposal must be related to public and population health.
• – Fellowships are open to individuals who have not yet registered for a PhD or are in the early stages of the program.
• – Applicants must commit to participation in all four annual residential Joint Advanced Seminars (JASes).
• – Male applicants must be under 40 years old and female applicants under 45 years old.

Benefits: Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Fellowship

• – In 2025, the CARTA program plans to offer up to 15 PhD fellowships and two additional fellowships reserved for staff members of the Somali National University (SNU).
• – The fellowships include coverage for participation in advanced seminars, a monthly stipend, support for research activities, a laptop with relevant software, funds for attending an international conference, and support for training programs.
• – CARTA fellowships run for a maximum of four years and cover tuition fees, medical insurance, and travel support for fellows registered at a partner institution different from their own.

Application for the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Fellowship

• For details and to apply visit the website
• Deadline: April 15, 2024