2015/16 Call
MRC Clinician Researcher Programme
PhD Scholarships in Clinical /Health Research
Call for Applications (Example)
There is a dearth of MBChB graduates that read for PhD research degree (1, 2). The South African Medical
Research Council (MRC) continues to strengthen efforts that take cognizance of this paucity of clinician
researchers in South Africa and is pleased to announce a few more PhD Scholarships in the Clinical Research
programme effective in 2016.
Applications are invited from eligible South African health professionals who hold an MBChB qualification for
five (5) 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
2016 for a period ranging from one to four years.
The value of the scholarship is R500k pa. The extended closing date for applications was 24 August 2015, and
announcement of scholarship holders will be made by November 2015.
Candidates from i) underrepresented medical universities, ii) designated groups and iii) underfunded priority
research areas are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized.
Please submit applications to: Ms Philistia Joshua (Philistia.Joshua@mrc.ac.za); Tel: 021 938 0873
For queries contact
Dr. Thabi Maitin ( thabi.maitin@mrc.ac.za);
Tel: 021 938 0891
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Personal details:
Title (Ms, Mrs, Mr, Dr, Prof):
First Name:
Surname:
Gender:
Population Black
group:
Coloured
Indian Asian
White Date of Birth:
ID number:
(attach certified copy of South African identity document)
Postal Address:
Physical address:
Work telephone no:
Mobile no:
E-mail address:
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:
Status of PhD studies
Not
registered
Registered
1st yr
2nd yr
3rd yr
Academic Information:
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
1.

2.
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3.
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4.
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5.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Signed application form: please sign below and submit this form with your application.
All documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format only
Attached
check
(√)
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