MU-JHU and Johns Hopkins University Launch Fully Funded Postdoctoral, PhD and Master’s Scholarships for Ugandan HIV Researchers – Apply By 30 September 2026

The MU-JHU Research Collaboration (MU-JHU CARE LTD), in partnership with Johns Hopkins University (JHU), has announced a major call for applications for Postdoctoral Fellowships, PhD Scholarships, and Master of Science Scholarships for Ugandan researchers. Supported by the Fogarty International Center of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the prestigious training initiative is designed to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to lead innovative HIV clinical research.

The programme focuses on developing the next generation of African research leaders committed to improving health outcomes among pregnant and lactating women, children, adolescents, young women, and their partners through high-quality clinical trials and implementation science.

Successful candidates will receive comprehensive financial support, mentorship from internationally recognized researchers, and advanced training in scientific writing, grant development, and research leadership.

About the MU-JHU Capacity Building Programme

The MU-JHU Research Collaboration has become one of Uganda’s leading institutions for HIV research, combining local expertise with the global research excellence of Johns Hopkins University. Through this capacity-building programme, Ugandan researchers are empowered to design, conduct, and publish impactful HIV studies that address pressing public health challenges.

The initiative supports multidisciplinary research across epidemiology, behavioral science, pharmacology, biostatistics, virology, bioethics, implementation science, and clinical trials. Beyond academic training, fellows receive structured mentorship from both local and international investigators, creating long-term pathways for leadership in global health research.

Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity

The Postdoctoral Fellowship is intended for Ugandan researchers with prior experience in clinical trials who are ready to advance independent HIV research careers.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be Ugandan citizens.
• Demonstrate experience in clinical trials or related HIV research.
• Have a strong interest in research involving pregnant or lactating women, children, adolescents, young women, or their partners.
• Show commitment to developing a long-term leadership career in HIV clinical research.
• Submit a research project aligned with programme priorities, including clinical research, observational studies, secondary analyses, or implementation science.
• Provide a recommendation letter from an employer or supervisor.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected postdoctoral fellows will receive:

• Research funding
• Salary stipend
• Mentorship from Ugandan and international experts
• Scientific and grant writing training

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026 (Midnight)

PhD Scholarships at Makerere University

The programme also offers fully funded PhD scholarships hosted at Makerere University for outstanding Ugandan researchers pursuing doctoral studies in HIV-related disciplines.

Available PhD Fields

Eligible applicants may apply in:

• Behavioral Science
• Pharmacology
• Virology and Immunology
• Biostatistics and Epidemiology
• Implementation Science

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should:

• Be Ugandan researchers affiliated with MU-JHU, Makerere College of Health Sciences, or another recognized Ugandan research institution.
• Hold a relevant master’s degree.
• Have a research topic addressing HIV among priority populations.
• Demonstrate commitment to academic excellence and future research leadership.
• Obtain a recommendation from a faculty advisor, supervisor, or organizational mentor.
• Commit to publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Scholarship Package

The PhD award includes:

• Full tuition support
• Monthly stipend
• Funding for the doctoral research project
• Local and international mentorship
• Professional training in scientific publishing and grant writing

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026 (Midnight)

Master of Science Scholarships

Early-career researchers currently enrolled at Makerere University or the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) can also apply for fully funded Master of Science scholarships.

Eligible Disciplines

The scholarship supports students in:

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Pharmacology
• Bioethics
• Clinical Trials
• Related health research disciplines

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must:

• Be Ugandan nationals.
• Be enrolled in the second year of a Master of Science programme.
• Be progressing normally and ready to begin research.
• Have an HIV-related research topic aligned with programme objectives.
• Demonstrate commitment to future leadership in HIV research.
• Secure a recommendation letter from a faculty member.
• Commit to publishing their dissertation research.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients will receive:

• Tuition coverage
• Dissertation research funding
• Living stipend
• Mentorship from experienced researchers
• Training in scientific and grant writing

Required Application Documents

While requirements vary slightly across programmes, applicants should prepare the following:

• One-page cover letter addressed to the Programme Director
• Personal statement outlining research and career goals
• Curriculum Vitae or NIH-format biosketch (where applicable)
• PhD or Master’s academic qualifications
• Two to three-page HIV research concept or proposal synopsis
• Recommendation letter submitted separately by the supervisor or faculty member

All applications must be submitted online through the MU-JHU application portal before the stated deadlines. Recommendation letters should be emailed separately

Why This Opportunity Matters

This fully funded training programme represents one of East Africa’s most significant investments in HIV research capacity. By combining financial support with world-class mentorship and rigorous research training, MU-JHU and Johns Hopkins University are preparing Ugandan scientists to become leaders in clinical trials, implementation science, and evidence-based public health.

Researchers passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable populations through innovative HIV research are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline.

Application Deadlines

Ugandan researchers who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to submit competitive applications and join a growing network of internationally trained HIV research leaders.