Digital Diagnostics for Africa PhD Fellowships 2022

We are delighted to announce a unique opportunity to undertake PhD research, supported by an international network of experts, developing digital diagnostics as transformative technologies for African Healthcare systems. We have 10 fully funded PhD fellowships starting in 2022, with projects spanning a range of disciplines including molecular diagnostic test development, clinical evaluation, health systems research, design engineering, and data modelling. Successful applicants will be based at African institutions and will be part of a close-knit cohort, receiving bespoke training in diagnostic development and professional skills which will equip them to be future leaders in this field.

About Digital Diagnostics for Africa

The Digital Diagnostics for Africa Network was set up in 2020, funded by the UKRI Global Challenge Research Challenge Fund. The Network is an international and interdisciplinary community of experts with a strong interest in developing innovative digital diagnostics approaches to tackle diseases that primarily affect the African continent.

PhD Fellowships

Aim and Benefits of PhD Fellowships

Fully funded

Requirements for PhD Fellowships Qualification

Applicants must be nationals of an African country and be suitably qualified to enter a PhD program at the host University. We expect that successful applicants will have a track-record of academic excellence, with a first class or upper second class (or equivalent) undergraduate degree and a relevant Masters degree (or clinical qualification). Applicants who do not have these qualifications but believe that they have equivalent relevant research or industrial experience should explain this clearly in their letter of motivation. For some projects additional eligibility criteria apply

Interview date, Process and Venue for PhD Fellowships

• Shortlisting. We will use the Curriculum Vitae and Letters of Motivation to shortlist applicants who can demonstrate that they have outstanding academic potential, and are scientifically curious, highly motivated, hard-working, professional, and excellent team players, with a strong interest in the potential of digital diagnostics technologies. We expect PhD fellows to demonstrate that they have knowledge, skills and some experience relevant to the project(s) they wish to undertake, or that they could easily gain relevant knowledge and skills.
• Interviews. Interviews will be conducted on-line. We will send further details to the candidates shortlisted for interview. We will require proof of identity, proof of qualifications, and any other relevant documentation to be presented at the interview. Interviews will be conducted by a diverse and gender balanced panel from within the network, including representatives from host institutions. We will try to offer flexibility in interview dates and times, but due to the number of applications and posts we may not be able to accommodate some requests.
• Although eligibility varies by project, our selection panel will aim to ensure our cohort of fellows is diverse, and we will strive to ensure gender balance and representation of students from countries with fewer opportunities for PhD funding, whilst also ensuring all fellows meet our rigorous selection criteria.
• After interview. Successful applicants will receive provisional confirmation of our intention to award them PhD Fellowship funding. This does not mean that they have been accepted onto the PhD programme at the relevant University. Applicants must also apply and be accepted to study at the University where the Fellowship will be held (see Table 1) before funding can commence.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Application Form (.docx format)

For more details, visit Digital Diagnostics for Africa website.