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Epidemiological Bulletin
      Vol. 17, No. 1
 March 1996  


PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH TRAINING GRANTS 1996-1997

Objectives

In recognition of the importance of developing the public health research capacity of individuals and institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada announce the 1996-97 Public Health Research Training Grants.

The initiative proposes to train leaders in public health research by offering them the opportunity to acquire advanced training in this field as well as the possibility to receive additional funding for the implementation of a research project. Given its focus on applied research and on the strengthening of research institutions as well as individuals, the initiative strives to positively impact the decision-making process of countries in the Region, thereby contributing towards the health of their populations.

Selected candidates will receive the following:

  • Grant allowing them to spend one year at a leading research/academic institution outside their native country;
  • Technical assistance in the development of a research protocol; and
  • Possibility of additional funding for the implementation of the research protocol.

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    Program

    The program is envisioned as having two phases. Although distinct in terms of time and place, these phases actually form part of a continuum, in which the learning process and development of the research project are intertwined.

    During the first phase, Fellows will spend 9-12 months at leading teaching/research institutions outside their native countries. Of primary importance during this phase is the development of a research protocol under the supervision of a professor or researcher at the institution of study and with the technical support of PAHO/WHO and IDRC.

    During the second phase, Fellows will implement the research project with the support of the home institution. Technical assistance will be provided by PAHO/WHO, IDRC, and the institution of study as a continuation of the learning process begun in phase one. Funding for the second phase is subject to approval of the research protocol by the Review Committee. Monies will be provided for the implementation of the research project and for a visit by the professor/researcher of the institution of study to the project.

    Priority will be given to applied research that supports the decision-making process. Priority areas include (but are not limited to) health economics, health systems, and health services. Clinical and bio-medical research are excluded.

    The Grant for Phase I is designed to cover round trip airfare, tuition and fees, health insurance, books, and living expenses. The exact amount of the award will depend on the specific needs of each case, taking into account prevailing norms and regulations of PAHO/WHO. In any case, the award is not to exceed US$ 25,000.

    By accepting the Grant, the individual agrees to follow the approved plan of study and to return to his or her home institution upon completion of the same.

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    Selection Process

    Candidates will be evaluated on their own qualifications, those of their home institutions, the relevance of their research projects, and their proposed programs of study. All applications must meet the following criteria:

    Criteria relative to the candidate:

  • Master's degree in any area related to public health research, including the social sciences as applied to health;
  • Solid foundation in research;
  • Demonstrated capacity for leadership;
  • Affiliation with a recognized research institution in his or her country of residence and a research proposal endorsed by it;
  • Resident of those Latin American and Caribbean countries participating in the initiative; and
  • Proficiency in the language of study.

    Criteria relative to the home institution:

  • Stable institution with proven research output (either public or private);
  • Agreement to carry out the research project, the protocol for which will be developed during Phase I; and
  • Plan for institutional development with a specific reference to how the Grant will contribute to that development.

    Criteria relative to the institution of study:

  • Center of excellence in teaching and research in the chosen area of study;
  • Teaching and research programs that favor an interdisciplinary approach, and promote autonomy and flexibility in the development of research projects;
  • Interest in maintaining cooperative ties with institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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    Application Procedure

  • Interested candidates should submit the following documents in care of the PAHO/WHO Representative in their country:
  • Curriculum vitae and list of publications;
  • Research project description to be developed during Phase I and implemented upon return to the home country;
  • Letter of support and profile of the home institution (brief description, mission statement, short- and medium-term plans for institutional development);
  • Objectives and proposed plan of study for Phase I;
  • Acceptance letter from the institution of study for the 1996 academicyear, including their agreement to support the development of the research protocol and a cost estimate. Because this is a regional initiative, candidates are requested to provide justification if an institution is chosen from outside the region of the Americas. PAHO/WHO and IDRC will assist in the identification of appropriate institutions and initial contacts, if necessary;
  • List of other institutions that have been approached for funding; and
  • Proof of proficiency in the language of study.

    The research project description should not exceed five pages and should include a description of the problem, a clear definition of the project's objectives, and an approximate description of the methodology to be used.

    The deadline for receipt of applications in PAHO Headquarters is 15 May, 1996.

    For additional information, please contact the PAHO/WHO Office in your country or:

      Public Health Research Training Grants
      Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO)
      525 23rd Street, N.W., Room 701
      Washington, DC 20037
      Telephone: (202) 861-3283

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