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THE DISCOVERY FOUNDATION AWARDS

THE DISCOVERY FOUNDATION ACADEMIC FELLOWSHIP AWARDS

THE Purpose

These awards aim to promote research focused training in academic medicine in South Africa and to develop more clinician scientists to benefit healthcare in South Africa.

There are two categories of academic fellowship awards available to medical specialists: The PhD award for research towards a Doctoral degree and the Masters award for research towards a Master’s degree by thesis or dissertation.

This award may also contribute towards funding a fellowship in clinical medicine

During the term of the award, the academic fellow may use the grant to support a period of structured, research focused time at a research centre abroad.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 15 OCTOBER 2018

THE GRANT

Funding will offer the successful applicants the opportunity to undertake a period of full-time study and research towards Master’s or Doctoral degrees.

1. The PhD award provides funding of R800 000 for support to clinicians (preferably specialists) starting Doctoral research.

2. The Masters award provides funding of R600 000 to support clinicians (preferably specialists) starting research towards a Master’s degree by thesis or dissertation (MPhil, MSc).

Applicants are encouraged to seek opportunities for additional funding through other sources if necessary

Selection criteria

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Applications are invited from recently qualified clinical (medical) specialists who wish to pursue research towards a Master’s or Doctoral degree.

Preference will be given to applicants who work on full-time research. However, limited clinical work in an academic setting is also acceptable

Consideration will only be given to those applicants who present clearly defined research projects that have the support of the host institution.

Evidence should be provided of the value of the proposed research and its application to teaching, knowledge generation and development in the field of clinical medicine and public healthcare.

Application process

WHAT YOU NEED

Please note: Short-listed applicants must be available for an interview, if required.

Applicants must have South African citizenship or permanent residency.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  • A one- to two-page motivation letter that outlines how the research will benefit the applicant, the host university, the health system and the country as a whole
  • A full curriculum vitae outlining previous experience in teaching, research, clinical service, or health management and leadership
  • A one- to two-page summary of the research proposal
  • A letter of support from the host institution
  • If relevant, a letter of acceptance from the overseas institution.

Terms of funding

the fine print

If funding is used to support research at an institution abroad, successful applicants are expected to return to South Africa on completion of the research.

For those engaged in full-time Master’s or Doctoral research, the funds are intended as a salary to enable recipients to focus on their research, free of clinical duties

In the case of medical specialists who wish to pursue research towards a Master’s or a Doctoral degree parttime, the funds may be used for research, research-related support such as travel, time off clinical duties, and data personnel.

All recipients are expected to work in the public sector for at least two years after completing their research or degree.

Payments will be made in portions dependent on progress and an amount of up to R20 000 will be withheld and only be payable on confirmation on completion of the degree

Recipients who do not complete the course of study or publish research for which they received funding may be required to refund some or all of the funds to the Discovery Foundation.

Reporting

WHAT WE NEED

Successful applicants are required to report on their progress twice a year and to submit narrative and financial reports at the end of the grant period.

Payments will depend on the timely submission of satisfactory narrative and financial reports.

THE DISCOVERY FOUNDATION ACADEMIC FELLOWSHIP AWARDS

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A copy of the applicant’s ID

A 2–3 page CV; longer CVs will not be accepted

A letter of support from the associated academic institution (for sabbatical leave applications)

Two reference letters from recent or current seniors familiar with the applicant’s work

Research outline (introduction; objectives; method – max 300 words)

Short motivation for application (max 300 words)

Details on any planned study overseas (max 300 words)

Letter of acceptance from the overseas institution (if the award includes overseas study)

Ethics approval for research involving human subjects

Proof of co-funding if the budget is more than the amount available for the award

For MMed applications: Letter from the Dean of the academic institution detailing the 5–8 applications submitted

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THANK YOU!

We have received your submission.

Your submission will go through a selection process and we will keep you posted.

Please check your inbox for further instructions and/or updates.

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THE DISCOVERY FOUNDATION ACADEMIC FELLOWSHIP AWARDS

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