GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS ADMINISTRATION Sub Directorate
PO Box 09070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa Francie van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)21 9380891; Fax: +27 (0)21 9380377 2014 Call MRC Clinician Researcher Programme PhD Scholarships in Clinical Research 2014/15 Application Form National1 and international reports (such as from the NIH2) highlight the dearth of MBChB graduates that read for PhD research degree. The South African Medical Research Council (MRC) has taken cognisance of this paucity of clinician researchers in South Africa and is pleased to announce a PhD Scholarships in Clinical Research programme. Applications are invited from eligible South African health professionals who hold an MBChB qualification for scholarships from the Medical Research Council (MRC). The full time PhD Scholarships will be awarded to Post MBChB D.D.S., candidates for research to be conducted in clinical/health research starting from April 2015 for a period ranging from one to four years. The value of the scholarship is R500k pa. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2014, and announcement of scholarship holders will be made by 31 October 2014.
Please submit applications to: Ms Philistia Joshua ([email protected] ; Tel: 021 938 0873 For queries contact Dr. Thabi Maitin ( [email protected] ; Tel: 021 938 0891
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Personal details:
Title (Ms, Mrs, Mr, Dr, Prof): First Name:
Surname: Gender:
Population Black Coloured Indian Asian White Date of Birth: group: ID number: (attach certified copy of South African identity document) Postal Address: Physical address:
Work telephone no: Mobile no:
E-mail address: Academic Information: Year MBChB was obtained:
Year of registration with the Health Professions Council and Reg No.
Year internship and community service completed:
Further qualifications beyond MBChB:
Current occupation:
Proposed area of research:
University / Institution:
Department & Faculty:
Name of PhD Supervisor (s):
Proposed title of research proposal:
Not Status of PhD studies Registered 1st yr 2nd yr 3rd yr registered
Documents that must be submitted with the application (not more than 7 pages) and selection criteria: It is important that you check (√) the right column to confirm completeness of application before submitting. Selection Criteria Attached check (√) 1. Suitability of the candidate: 1 page only of a motivation and description of how success in your application into the MRC Clinical Researchers Programme will impact your career. Attach a complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) containing a full list of publications and other meritorious achievements. 2. Quality of the science: 1-2 pages only: abstract of the PhD proposal outlining the rationale, design, feasibility, plans for research translation and information dissemination as well as potential impact of the proposed research project. 3. Track record of supervisor: 1-3 pages only: (1) A statement from the supervisor indicating commitment to educate and train the applicant, (ii) an abridged outline of publications, grants and experience of supervising Masters/PhD students. 4. Research environment: A letter from the host institution stating the level of funding, facilities and infrastructure for the research project, and plan for the career of the applicant upon completion of the PhD degree. 5. Signed application form: please sign below and submit this form with your application. All documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format only Conditions • Scholarship holders are expected to spend at least 90% of their time conducting research. Teaching and clinical activities may not take up more than 10% of the time of the scholar. Scholarship holders may not receive, concurrently with this scholarship, other bursaries, grants or remuneration which binds them to enter the service of any organization without prior approval from the SA Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Candidates may not hold a bursary from more than one statutory science council at any given time
• Scholarship holders may not receive, concurrently with this scholarship, other non- binding remuneration/fellowships and grants without prior approval from the MRC
• Scholarship holders may not, without obtaining the MRC’s prior approval, register at a university other than that through which the application has been submitted
• Once the award has been made the scholarship holder may not change his/her supervisor without informing the MRC
• Supervisors will be expected to submit 6-monthly progress reports. The renewal of funding will be considered on an annual basis subject to satisfactory progress being made.
• Successful applicants will be required to enter into an agreement with the MRC to complete their studies within the specified time period
I, ______(full names), hereby submit my application for a full-time PhD Scholarship and am cognisant of the conditions under which this scholarship is awarded. Signature: Date:
1. Mayosi,B et al. “The Revitalisation of clinical Research in South Africa” Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Pretoria 2009.
2. Gottesman, Michael M. “The Role of the NIH in Nurturing Clinician Scientists”. Accessible at https://www.facebook.com/IRPatNIH/posts/467427580002989