1. Project Plan Important
The Trainees

We will recruit individuals who already hold an academic, governmental, or professional position that puts them in a position to continue work in research ethics following completion of the program. Trainees must already hold at least a medical degree, or a Masters degree or its equivalent in a discipline that might fruitfully be brought to bear on issues in research ethics. They must show scholarly or research aptitude, evidenced by previous publication or research experience. They must have the support of their home institution, which must be willing to agree that the trainee will be given the time to complete the program and the resources necessary continue his or her research program and to teach the course which the trainee will develop upon his/her return. The trainees  must provide a statement of purpose that identifies the research area in which they plan to develop their project.

The number of trainees is deliberately kept small (2 per year), in order to provide intensive and individualized mentoring.

Recruitment

With the assistance of the Advisory Committee, we will work with key individuals at universities and government agencies to recruit potential trainees from Eastern and Southern Africa. We will develop recruiting materials, including materials for a web page and, with the Advisory Committee’s input, distribute those materials to appropriate university departments and government agencies. We will also make use of existing ethics-related newsletters, and electronic networks such as the International Bioethics List Serve.

Selection Criteria

We are looking for individuals interested in a 15 month traineeship in the scholarship of research ethics. This allows for up to nine months of advanced course work, and at least six months for development and completion of a research project. In particular, candidates should be:

    • Mid-career professionals (university, government agency, or non- governmental organizations) who have already earned at least a master’s (M.S., M.A, M.P.H., or equivalent), or a medical degree. At least one of the candidate’s post-secondary degrees must be from a university in which the primary language of instruction is English.
    • Interested in the scholarship of research ethics—from any discipline. Applicants from the health sciences are encouraged, as are those from law, religion, history, philosophy, or the social sciences.
    • Capable of succeeding as scholars, as evidenced by previous publication or experience.
    • Personally mature and capable of completing all aspects of the traineeship—course work, research project, and curriculum development, both in the United States and at the University of Malawi.
    • Emerging leaders committed to the scholarship of research ethics as part of their professional contributions to their university, government agency, or non-governmental organization.
    • Supported by their home institution, which gives leave for participating in the traineeship and encouragement for continuing research and teaching of research ethics upon their completion of the traineeship.

Special consideration will be given to female candidates.

Final selection of trainees will be made in consultation with the Advisory Committee.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a completed application which includes:

    • Transcripts of academic work at the post-secondary level.
    • Curriculum vita.
    • Copies of prior written work, including any previous publications.
    • A statement of interest, including applicant’s background and experience, a description of research interests, and ideas for curriculum development (course or other training).
    • Two letters of recommendation from professional colleagues, attesting to the applicant’s suitability for the program.
    • Letter from the applicant’s employer or home institution affirming that leave will be granted for program activities and demonstrating support for the applicant’s pursuit of a traineeship in scholarship of research ethics.
    • An application form requesting further information (to be developed).

Support for Trainees

Trainees will be given a stipend for 15 months. Health insurance will be provided during the traineeship. Round trip travel from the trainee’s home country to Michigan State will be provided. All tuition and fees will be paid for courses taken at MSU and the University of Malawi. In addition, trainees will be provided with an Internet-capable laptop computer, in order to facilitate the electronic communication with mentors which is part of this training program.
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