[afro-nets] Call for Applications AMANET Workshop

[Dieter Neuvians MD <neuvians@mweb.co.za>]

Call for Applications AMANET Workshop
-------------------------------------
 
AMANET workshop on proposing and reporting on intervention tri-
als for African researchers
 
12-16 July, 2004
Arusha, Tanzania
 
Background and justification
 
Much intervention research has been conducted with Africa, but 
very little of it originates from African researchers. Part of 
the reason is that many African researchers have not been suffi-
ciently involved in setting research agenda and research plans; 
they also have not been engaged in writing competitive research 
funding proposals for the intervention trials. The failure to 
originate and obtain funding for research tends to set a vicious 
circle as funders will generally prefer to finance investigators 
and institutions with a good track record of handling trial 
funds, conducting the research appropriately, and producing ac-
ceptable financial and technical reports. In this regard, most 
African scientists will perpetually only participate in trials 
as co-investigators owing to the lack of the required experi-
ence. 
 
AMANET, in its quest to level the playing field in favour of Af-
rican malaria researchers is now announcing this call for inter-
ested research scientists who wish to be equipped with further 
knowledge and skills in proposing and reporting on intervention 
trials. The rationale being the need to empower African scien-
tists so that they are able to participate in setting the re-
search agenda for their institutions and communities by propos-
ing trials that are scientifically relevant to their local 
situation and are able to compete for funding. The format for 
this workshop consists of formal lecture type presentations, 
group work/discussions and practical work for each participant 
to develop a proposal. The highlights to be covered among other 
relevant subjects include the following:
 
- Setting research priorities and research agenda
- What are funders interested in?
- Scientific question: setting the hypothesis and testing it
- Obtaining background information and literature search
- GCP requirements in intervention trials
- Study design: primary and secondary end points and methodology
- Statistical considerations and sample size calculations
- The role of randomisation and blind coding
- Planning patient enrolment, treatments and follow up
- Protocol preparation for adverse events 
- Activity flow charts
- Proposal budgets and justification
- Ethical considerations in a proposal
- Report analytical plans: interim analyses and final analysis 
- Writing the final trial report
- CONSORT publishing guidelines
- Dissemination of results
- Potential funding sources and their requirements
- Financial reporting
 
This workshop aims at offering the participants both the theo-
retical knowledge and practical experience in writing a pro-
posal. Participants will therefore be required to come with 
their ideas for a proposal which will be developed during the 
workshop. Experienced facilitators will handle the various sub-
jects and will walk the participants through their proposals to 
ensure practical learning. 
 
Venue
Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha, Tanzania.
 
Who can apply
Middle or senior level physicians and researchers directly in-
volved in the conduct of malaria related studies or trials from 
African institutions. These need to have their idea of an inter-
vention trial they wish to propose.
 
Timing
The workshop is intended to take five full days scheduled for 
12-16 July 2004.
 
How to apply
Interested persons should submit a complete application, which 
must include the following:
1. One paged Bio sketch
2. A 1-page summary of the malaria related intervention trial
 proposal you wish to develop (not more than 100 words);
3. Names and addresses of two referees (including their tele-
 phone numbers and email contacts), who you have requested to
 provide letters of recommendation, to be sent directly to the
 address below.
 
Applications must be received by Friday 11 June, 2004. 
 
Sponsorship
Selected applicants will be awarded an AMANET sponsorship, which 
will cover economy class airfares, tuition, ground transport in 
Tanzania, and full board. AMANET will not meet any visas or 
transit costs.
 
Applications preferably sent by e-mail must be directed to: 
 
The Managing Trustee
AMANET, Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology Building
Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road
P O Box 33207, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: +255-22-2700-018
Fax: +255-22-2700-380
mailto:info@amanet-trust.org
mailto:wlkilama@amanet-trust.org
http://www.amanet-trust.org