NIHR Researcher Leadership & Grant Writing Workshop

Omran Aburayya
May 22
2 min read

If you're an early-career researcher passionate about global health and eager to enhance your leadership and grant-writing skills, the NIHR Researcher Leadership & Grant Writing Workshop presents a remarkable opportunity. Organized by the NIHR Group on Improving Hypertension Control in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa (IHCoR-Africa), this workshop is tailored for PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and mid-level clinical researchers aiming to advance their academic and professional trajectories. Applications are currently open for this fully funded program, designed to empower researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

📝 Workshop Summary

Location: Fajara, The Gambia
Host Institution: Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Level: PhD (3rd or 4th year), Postdoctoral Fellows, Mid-Level Clinical Researchers
Target Group: Early-career researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Fields of Focus: Global health, hypertension, chronic diseases
Coverage: Fully funded (includes tuition, travel, and accommodation)
Duration: 4 days (23rd–26th June 2025)
Application Deadline: 25th May 2025
Start Date: 23rd June 2025
Eligible to: Nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries with a recommendation from their supervisor

📚 Workshop Overview

The Researcher Leadership & Grant Writing Workshop is a comprehensive program designed to equip early-career researchers with essential skills in research leadership and grant writing. Participants will engage in practical training sessions, receive mentorship from leading experts, and have opportunities to network with peers across the region.

🧩 Key Components:

Practical Training: Hands-on sessions focusing on leading research projects, team management, and navigating the complexities of grant writing.
Expert Mentorship: One-on-one mentorship from seasoned professionals in global health and hypertension control.
Skill Development: Enhancement of project management, data analysis, communication, and networking skills.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow researchers and academics from across Sub-Saharan Africa to build lasting professional relationships.

🎁 Workshop Benefits

Fully Funded Participation: Covers tuition, travel, and accommodation expenses.
Mentorship: Access to leading experts in the field for guidance and support.
Skill Enhancement: Develop competencies in leadership, grant writing, and research methodologies.
Networking: Opportunities to collaborate with peers and establish professional connections.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

PhD students in their 3rd or 4th year of study.
Postdoctoral fellows seeking to advance their research careers.
Mid-level clinical researchers aiming to enhance leadership and grant-writing skills.
Applicants must be nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries.
A recommendation from the applicant's line manager or supervisor is required.

📝 Application Procedure

Request Application Form: Email training@mrc.gm to obtain the official application form.
Complete Application: Fill out the form with accurate and detailed information.
Supervisor Recommendation: Ensure a recommendation letter from your line manager or supervisor is included.
Submit Application: Send the completed application and recommendation letter to training@mrc.gm by 25th May 2025.