Call to HDSS Sites | INDEPTH Network

INDEPTH Scientific Development and Leadership ProgrameCall for Applications from INDEPTH member-sites to Participate in the Development of a Master’s Course in Field EpidemiologyIn line with the objectives of INDEPTH’s Scientific Development and Leadership programme, the INDEPTH network is seeking to establish partnership between INDEPTH sites and the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in the development and implementation of a Masters Degree course in Population-based Field Epidemiology and over time, to establish a Distance Learning component of the course.Master’s ProgrammeThe aim of the course is to produce African scientists skilled in applied research methods and research management and field epidemiology.The programme will provide multi-disciplinary field-based and problem-oriented research training that combines (1)epidemiology and research methodology, (2)biostatistics and data management, (3)demography and other social sciences, with a thorough understanding of relevant new and emerging (4)information technologies, with a focus on demographic and health surveillance in developing countries.Role of Field SitesThe course will include a substantial field-based component. Teaching methods will include a combination of didactic lectures, and distance learning in DSS sites. The distance learning approach is employed to increase the extent to which students can undertake their studies, while still engaged in the day-to-day practical issues that are an integral component of successful field-based research.The role of the field site will be to:<ol><li>provide an environment for study and field work</li><li>provide supervision to achieve these goals.</li></ol>Three sites will be selected in the initial phase.ApplicationApplications should be submitted in line with the following guidelines and documentation:<ol><li>The DSS site should demonstrate a willingness to participate in the programme and share data with students.</li><li>Site database must implement the core events/modules of a DSS.</li><li>The period for which funding for the DSS has been secured.</li><li>Institutional profile that demonstrates capability to supervise students i.e. staff, and their relevant areas of competencies (Biostatistics and Data Management, Epidemiology and Research Methodology, Demography and other social sciences with a thorough understanding of relevant new and emerging Information Technologies).</li><li>State existing links with academic or other research institutions.</li><li>Site must have the capacity to accommodate these students.</li><li>Provision of facilities: Conducive environment in terms of computing and reliable access to the Web / Internet</li><li>A list of published output from the site over the past 5 years.</li><li>Indicate other contributions they can make to ensure success of programme.</li><li>A letter from the authority responsible for approving programmes indicating their interest in participating/hosting such a programme.</li><li>Relevant Curriculum Vitae of staff directly involved in the proposed programme or post-description of staff to be recruited. (Only publications since 1997)</li><li>Budget</li></ol>Sites will receive some modest support from the INDEPTH Secretariat to contribute towards these preparations ($50,000 for 3 years).Selection ProcessINDEPTH, in cooperation with the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO/TDR) www.who.int/tdr, the University of the Witwatersrand, and selected Northern partner(s) will evaluate and rank each application based on agreed factors. A site visit may be required as part of the selection process. Successful sites will need to be accredited by the University of the Witwatersrand. The best three will be then be chosen.Selected sites will sign a contract with the University of the Witwatersrand.All applications must be received by 2 February 2004 at the following address:INDEPTH Network9 Adenkum Loop, KandaP O Box 213Kanda, Accra, GhanaEmail: indepth@indepth-network.org(We encourage all applicants to write concise proposals and send their applications electronically by email)