ACTG African Center for Translational Genomics Academic Fellowship

The objectives  of the center are to empower the next generation of African scientists in genomics through the  provision  and implementation of  grants, fellowships  and  internships  ; enable better health outcomes by fueling the discovery of disease variants that will dramatically improve drug responses, especially among African populations, and improve therapy on the African continent by enabling individualized and accurate care that utilizes the unique genetic identity of the patient to develop new targets for medicine. 

ACTG is committed to empowering the next generation of African genomics scientists to improve Africa’s competitive advantage globally. As one of its early ventures, ACTG, in collaboration with scientists from the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research and the National Biotechnology Development Agency in Nigeria, established the Genetic Heritage Study Consortium of noncommunicable diseases (NCD-GHS). Through the Consortium, ACTG is facilitating studies that would help unravel the genomic determinants of noncommunicable diseases with particular attention to cardiometabolic diseases among African populations. The studies also aim to develop ideas that would facilitate precision medicine and translational research in Africa.

Goals :

This scholarship will strengthen Africa’s competitive advantage in genomics research and development on a global scale by reaching and supporting young scientists as early as possible in their careers. Successful candidates will work with the NCD-GHS team and should focus on exploring the genetic epidemiology or molecular genetics of certain non-communicable diseases (cancers, diabetes, thyroid disorders, parkinson’s, alzheimer’s and sickle cell anemia) .

Scholarship Details:

The scholarship offer is competitive based on the prevailing rates in public and private universities in Africa. Up to  $ 4,000 is available per scholar per year for a maximum of 4 years . The scholarships can be applied for tuition, accommodation, study travel as well as other study related activities. The total allocation that can be approved will be determined based on the scholarship committee’s assessment of the applications submitted. Up to 4 scholarships will be awarded this year. This scholarship will be offered annually in subsequent years.

Eligibility:

These are the conditions to be fulfilled by researchers applying for the available scholarships from the African Center for Translational Genomics (ACTG)

    • Nationality
      Open to African graduates with a passion for research and excellent academic results.
    • Degree level / type
      This scholarship is for students enrolled in full-time doctoral programs and who commit to completing their program within three or four years of their studies, as defined by their academic institutions.
    • Subject
      Candidates admitted to study molecular genetics or genetic epidemiology or related fields.
    • Application and Admission
      All applicants must be bona fide students of any university located in Africa, having obtained admission according to the procedures defined by those universities. ACTG would not facilitate or influence the admission of applicants to a university.
  • Equality
    ACTG is committed to equal opportunities. No candidate will be treated less favorably than another on the grounds of gender (including change of sex), marital or parental status, race, ethnic or national origin, color, disability , sexual orientation, religion or age. The main consideration in the selection of fellows will be the ability of applicants to meet the selection criteria for each fellowship.

Selection criteria:

medjouel.com informs you that All candidates who meet the eligibility criteria at the close of the application deadline will be shortlisted for an interview. At the interview stage, the winners would be selected based on the following criteria:


    • Folder  outstanding academic  objective of ACTG is to empower the next generation of African researchers in genomics, a good academic record is essential for the stock. This can be demonstrated by the final graduation points received by the candidate for an undergraduate degree.
      Exceptional performance in a master’s degree may compensate for moderate performance in the first degree. Other evidence of high academic performance may include individual grades on student transcripts; proof of previous academic prizes or awards; information about your overall position within your cohort; and editions. We expect that program directors or supervisors will only support applications from the most outstanding students for this scholarship.
    • Suitability of the candidate for the program and future genomics leadership potential
      Consideration is given to the candidate’s future academic potential and suitability for the proposed doctoral program. This can be assessed by reviewing references and research proposals to determine evidence of a candidate’s research aptitude and likelihood of contributing significantly to the field of study. Direct PhD applicants (and PhD / PhD applicants) will need to contact a potential supervisor with whom they will develop a research project, a summary of which is part of the application. Publications from the candidate’s master’s thesis, particularly in the field of genomics, will be an asset.
  • Motivation of the student
    It is assessed by the proof of the commitment of the candidate towards the proposed course as well as by the evaluation of the personal statement and the reports of the referees.

How to register:

The applicant must submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

  • Applicant’s declaration of interest stating academic qualifications, research interests, ability to work with NCD-GHS and career goals (one paragraph for each criterion). Additional information about previous research projects, on-campus or off-campus activities and accomplishments that would help the committee make its decision may also be included (max. 2 pages)
  • Candidate’s CV
  • Summary of the research proposal in genetic epidemiology or molecular genetics of one of the NCDs highlighted above (max. 4 pages)
  • Letter of support from the candidate’s department head or faculty supervisor stating the student’s academic qualifications and achievements, career goals and reasons for candidate selection (max. 2 pages)

Applications are now open. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2021. For any inquiries, please send an email to hello@actginitiative.com

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