The
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
(TDR) invites scientists from the disease endemic countries
(DECs) to apply for a 12-month fellowship programme on Research
Ethics. The training programme will be developed within TDR,
Geneva, and will involve theoretical and practical activities
related to the management of a global network dedicated to developing
ethical review for the promotion of ethical and scientific values
in biomedical research (SIDCER - Strategic Initiative for Developing
Capacity in Ethical Review).
SIDCER provides a network for capacity-building in ethical review
carried out primarily through independently established regional
for a for ethical review committees. The following fora are
included in the SIDCER network:
-
Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asia & the Western
Pacific (FERCAP), Bangkok, Thailand
-
Foro Latino Americano de Comités de Ética en
Investigacion en Salud [Latin American Forum of Ethics Committees
in Health Research] (FLACEIS), Mexico City, Mexico
-
Pan-African Bioethics Initiative (PABIN), Lusaka, Zambia
-
Forum for Ethics Committees in the Confederation of Independent
States (FECCIS), St. Petersburg, Russia
-
Forum for Institution Review Boards in Canada and the United
States (FOCUS), Ottawa, Canada SIDCER provides technical and
financial support to these fora in order to promote the development
of independent and competent in-country ethical review committees
and systems through enhancing the capacity to address the
procedural requirements and substantive issues in the ethical
review of biomedical research.
Capacity
building in TDR
Research capability strengthening is a cross-cutting programmatic
area of TDR established to promote and fund research training
and institution development to increase the participation of
developing countries in the development and use of new or improved
tools for the prevention and control of communicable diseases.
The long-term mission is to increase research self-reliance
in endemic countries for identifying needs and developing solutions
to public health problems caused by neglected infectious diseases.
TDR contributes to the attainment of these goals by strengthening
research institutions, generating new scientific knowledge in
biomedical and social sciences and building a critical mass
of human resources to respond to research and public health
needs.
Partnerships, networking and promoting equal opportunities among
DECs constitute the core of the RCS strategy and the basis for
promoting a gender and geographically balanced generation of
scientists.
Summary
of the fellowship programme
Under the supervision of Dr Juntra Karbwang in TDR the trainee
will:
-
attend workshops and training sessions on ethical review,
establishment of ethics committees, Good Clinical Practice
(GCP), clinical study management and on the job practice in
the ethical review of biomedical research proposals;
-
promote communication networks among and between various fora
to foster collaborative interactions in order to provide a
framework for mutual learning and understanding;
-
facilitate education on substantive issues in biomedical research
ethics related to ethical review, in collaboration with universities,
and other relevant institutions and organisations;
-
assist in the development of educational materials for members
of ethical review committees;
-
promote regional and country workshops for the implementation
of the Operational Guidelines for Ethics Committees That Review
Biomedical Research;
-
assist in resource mobilization that ensures sustainability
of regional and country activities.
Eligibility
Applications are requested from nationals of DECs, who have
basic training in research ethics and are involved in the Ministries
of Health, academic or research institutions. Preference will
be given to candidates holding an advanced clinical sciences
degree and those who have been trained and have worked in TDR
related areas. Strong written and verbal communication skills
in English is required. Following training, grantees are expected
to exhibit scientific expertise in research ethics and to promote
the development of the home institute research environment and
provide local and regional training. Preference is given to
applicants under the age of 35 years.
How
to apply
The following documents should be sent to the address given
below (no application forms are required).
- Full
name in capital letters with the family name underlined.
-
Date of birth and nationality (please include photocopy of
information page of passport or other identification document).
-
One recent passport sized photograph.
-
Name, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address
of institution where the applicant is employed.
-
Educational qualifications, including place of study, date
of conclusion and degree obtained (transcripts and photocopies
of qualifications are not required but may be requested later).
-
A brief description of the applicant's current and previous
post.
-
A description of the applicant's current work/research interests
and how the training will impact in future professional career.
-
A list of the applicant's publications and other abstracts
or presentations.
-
A letter of recommendation from two senior scientists/professors
that includes their address, telephone numbers, fax numbers
and e-mail addresses. (Please include these with the application).
-
An endorsement from the Director of the applicant's home institution
testifying to the ability of the applicant to undertake successfully
the proposed training and certifying that the applicant, if
selected, will be granted a leave of absence. The Director
should also indicate how the proposed training will strengthen
the institution's capability to conduct ethical reviews of
research protocols upon the return of the trainee.
Applicants from countries requiring national endorsement should
submit their applications through proper government channels.
A copy of all applications should be sent to the WHO Representative's
Office in their home country for information purposes.
All
applications must be received by 15 October 2003 at rcstraining@who.int
Research
Ethics Training Fellowship address:
Special Programme for Research
and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Fax: (41-22)791-4854
Applicants will be informed of the outcome in 15 November 2003
Training activities are scheduled to be initiated in January
2004
Additional
information can be obtained from Steven Wayling, TDR Manager
on Research Training at waylings@who.int
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