Medical Research Council/DFID 2020 African Research Leader Scheme - UK

The UK Medical Research Council and the UK Department for International Development announce a further call for proposals for the prestigious African Research Leader awards.

This MRC/ DFID jointly funded scheme aims to strengthen research leadership across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by attracting and retaining exceptionally talented individuals who will lead high quality programmes of research on key global health issues pertinent to SSA. The African Research Leader (ARL; PI) should be supported by an enthusiastic local research environment and by a strong linkage with a UK partner (i.e. the UK Co-Investigator; Co-I).

• Table of Content
• About Medical Research Council
• MRC/DFID African Research Leader Scheme
• Aim and Benefits of MRC/DFID African Research Leader Scheme
• Requirements for MRC/DFID African Research Leader Scheme Qualification
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

MRC/DFID African Research Leader Scheme

Aim and Benefits of MRC/DFID African Research Leader Scheme

Funding for the scheme is provided by the UK MRC and the UK Department for International Development (DFID). Awards will provide support for up to 5 years and the MRC Contribution should not exceed £750k in total.

Requirements for MRC/DFID African Research Leader Scheme Qualification

Strong applications will meet the four key elements of the scheme, namely:

• a talented ‘rising star’ African Research Leader candidate,
• a high-quality research programme proposal,
• a research-conducive academic African environment / institution,
• a firm partnership with a UK partner institution

Documents Required for Application

Your application will consist of the online Je-S proposal form and the following attachments to it:

• Proposal cover letter (optional, maximum of 2 pages)
• Separate CVs (maximum of 2 pages) required for PI, Co-Is and each named researcher
• List of Publications (maximum of 1 page) required for PI, Co-Is and each named researcher
• Case for Support (maximum 19 pages; refer to guidance)
• Justification of Resources (maximum of 2 pages)
• Data Management Plan (maximum of 3 pages)
• Supporting letters (PDF copy of signed letters, please use Je-S attachment type ‘Letter of Support’) from:
• The Vice Chancellor or equivalent at the African research institution (mandatory, maximum of 2 pages), to include:

              a) declaration that it is a Government-owned/not-for profit institution;

              b) statement about the research supportive environment available at the institution;

              c) commitment to the continuity of support for the ARL;  

             d) formal confirmation that the institution agrees to the roles and responsibilities as detailed in the application

When uploading the document as ‘Letter of Support’, please describe the document as ARL Host Institute Declaration’.

• The placement organisation confirming their willingness to host the Research Leader’s proposed training visit plus details of the proposed placement using the placement template (if appropriate, maximum of 2 pages) – as one PDF.

If uploading this ‘Optional’ document as ‘Letter of Support’, please describe the document as ‘Placement Confirmation’

• Key stakeholders e.g. Ministry of Health (if appropriate, maximum of 2 pages).

If uploading this ‘Optional’ document as ‘Letter of Support’, please describe the document as ‘Key Stakeholder’ – (Detail name of Stakeholder)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Please read the MRC Guidance for Applicants, which will provide you with the page limit for the attachments and guide you through the standard processes for preparing a proposal, costing your proposals and any ethical and regulatory requirements that may apply to the research. Please refer to the scheme specific guidance in preparing your case for support.

For more details, visit MRC website.