GlaxosmithKline Africa Open Lab 2024 (up to £100,000) – APPLY NOW

GlaxosmithKline Africa Open Lab 2024 is now accepting proposals for high-quality infectious disease research projects that have the potential to provide significant health benefits and cultivate future research leaders. With up to £100,000 available per award, they have previously supported 20 projects through the Africa NCD Open Lab until our last call for proposals in 2022. They offer mentoring alongside scientific and technical support throughout your innovative research project.

GlaxosmithKline Africa Open Lab 2024
GlaxosmithKline Africa Open Lab 2024

Infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and enteric diseases are responsible for nearly 9 million deaths each year, and particularly impact sub-Saharan African populations, leading to poor health outcomes, increased mortality in coinfections, stigma-related mental disorders, and exacerbation of social and health inequalities. Preventable and treatable, successful research is vital for developing effective strategies to address these pressing global health challenges.

Benefits

  • Up to £100,000 available per award for a research project lasting up to 36 months
  • Funding covers expenses such as equipment, fieldwork and data collection costs, consumables, and research assistance
  • Training activities relevant to the project or research career development can be undertaken, including short courses and visits to research institutions, agreed upon with GSK
  • Scientific support from GSK was provided throughout the award term, with the level of interaction tailored to the needs of the specific project
  • Mentorship opportunities with scientists from academic and research groups in Africa and globally facilitated by GSK
  • Funding does not cover tuition fees for degrees or fellowships.

Eligibility Criteria for GlaxosmithKline Africa Open Lab 2024

To be eligible for the applicant role, you must meet the following criteria:

  • The principal investigator should be an African scientist who is in the early stages of their research and academic career. This includes being a basic biomedical scientist, clinically qualified investigator, or public health researcher. It is important that the applicant has not previously been successful as a principal investigator for a major research grant exceeding £100,000. Furthermore, the applicant should be no more than five years from their highest postgraduate qualification, taking into consideration any career breaks or time spent away from academic research.
  • A minimum formal qualification of a graduate degree is required. Most applicants are expected to have an MSc, PhD, or MD. Holding a lecturer appointment, junior fellowship, or another research staff position will also be considered.
  • A strong track record and ongoing commitment to health-related research are necessary, along with the skills and experience needed to carry out the proposed work. Evidence of research output, such as publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference publications, presentations at scientific conferences, or contributions to clinical guidelines or policy documents, is required.
  • Applicants must be employed by a research or academic institution in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Furthermore, applications from historically underrepresented population groups and institutions are strongly encouraged.
  • Applicants should be nationals of a sub-Saharan African country and based in an institution within SSA.

Selection Criteria

It is necessary for your research project to fulfil the following requirements:

  • The research should focus on any of the following aspects:
  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Understanding the causes (aetiology) of diseases
  • Developing strategies for primary disease prevention and treatment
  • Addressing the gaps in knowledge regarding disease diversity and causes
  • Examining disease presentation and variations in clinical features
  • Investigating responses to medicines and vaccines
  • Studying the emergence of antimicrobial resistance associated with infectious diseases, and promoting responsible antibiotic use (antibiotic stewardship)
  • Identifying mechanisms to enhance access to and optimize the use of medicines and vaccines in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
  • The research should produce substantial data that can be used to support future funding proposals and potentially attract grants from other organizations or establish research collaborations in the future.
  • Proposals need to showcase how the research will target specific health issues and demonstrate how they plan to engage with relevant stakeholders to bring about changes in health policy and practice.
  • Projects centered around drug or vaccine discovery, as well as those relying on animal models, will not be taken into consideration.

How To Apply For The Proposal

The process for applying for research grants involves a two-stage review. Only applicants who pass the concept stage will be invited to submit a full application. The decision on award funding will be based on the scientific merit of the applications.

  • To begin the application process, please visit the GSK Supported Studies website, which can be found here. Registration is required to access the preliminary concept application form.
  • Fill out the preliminary concept application form and submit it along with your CV. Kindly utilize the CV Template that is included in the application form.
  • Before submitting your application, we recommend reading the full ‘Conditions for Applicants’  document to ensure you have a clear understanding of all requirements.

For additional information please visit GlaxosmithKline Africa Open Lab’s official website.

Application Deadline

February 29, 2024.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here