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News & Updates
November 2025 Edition, Issue 95
| | Welcome to another edition of the CARTA monthly updates. Read on to keep abreast with what is new. |
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◘ Program News
◘ Partner News
◘ Fellows News
◘ Publications
◘ Opportunities
◘ Resources
| *Click on 'view entire email' should all content not be displayed in a single email* | | | | Cohort 11 Advances Research Journey at Second PhD Training Seminar | | |
On November 3 - 28, 2025, CARTA cohort 11 fellows participated in the second Joint Advanced Seminar (JAS 2), a key component of their CARTA PhD training.
The four-week training, run by the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, marks a pivotal point in the fellows' doctoral journey. At JAS 2, the fellows gain skills that enable them to sharpen their research focus and finalize their study protocols before submitting for school and ethics approval. Through interactive sessions and hands-on facilitation, fellows gained practical skills in research design, data management and analysis, using both qualitative and quantitative software tools. Fellows also took part in methodology clinics for one-on-one mentorship, journal club sessions to build critical thinking, and a field visit that offered first-hand experience in research ethics and community engagement.
During the seminar, the fellows also participated in the Wits School of Public Health Biennial Research Day on November 6, 2025. Themed “Accelerating equitable policy and practice through public health research in Africa,” the event brought together students, faculty, and researchers from across Africa to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and discuss policy-relevant findings. For the CARTA fellows, this was an opportunity to share their research ideas with a broader audience and experience firsthand what participating in a scientific conference means.
| | CARTA Amplifies African Research Leadership at the AFSA 2025 Conference | |
CARTA’s engagement with society continues through platforms that highlight the impact of African research on policy and development. In this spirit, CARTA participated in the Amplifying African Voices for Strategic Action (AFSA) Conference, held on November 25–27, 2025, in Johannesburg, organized by the Wits African Centre for the Study of the US.
On November 26, CARTA hosted a panel session on "Research for Impact: Strengthening Africa’s Capacity to Shape Policy and Practice", showcasing how CARTA-trained researchers shape health policy and contribute to Africa’s voice in global governance platforms such as the G20.
The panelists for the session included CARTA graduates Nomfundo Moroe and Nkosiyazi Dube. They underscored how CARTA’s multidisciplinary training equips African researchers to lead research initiatives, influence policy, communicate findings to diverse audiences, and contribute African perspectives to global knowledge. They noted specific capacity-building elements—such as Joint Advanced Seminars, mentorship, manuscript support, and policy engagement training, that help researchers translate evidence into impact. The financial resources provided by the program to support Early Career Researchers (ECRs), the mentorship programs, and the networking opportunities were also highlighted as CARTA characteristics that positively impact ECRs in the program’s various fellowships and ultimately strengthen Africa’s research ecosystem. Both Nomfundo and Nkosiyazi praised CARTA’s philosophy of strengthening the research capacity of Africa’s academic and research institutions by training its junior faculty locally.
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CARTA is committed to sharing its experiences and insights. Over the past few years, we have published several papers documenting key outcomes and lessons learned from our work. We look forward to producing more knowledge products as resources allow.
To explore our publications, visit our article list on Semantic Scholar
| | | | Contributing to Discussions on Mid-Career Research Leadership at Wellcome Symposium | | |
The African Population and Health Research Center, represented by Marta Vicente-Crespo, CARTA Program Manager and Head of R&D Ecosystem Strengthening, and Hesbon Wao, Head of the Individual Capacity Strengthening Unit, participated in the Mid-Career Research Leadership Symposium organized by Wellcome. Held in London on November 21, 2025, the symposium brought together researchers, funders, universities, and experts to discuss good research leadership practices and share insights into the current leadership landscape. Their participation provided an opportunity to share insights from African research institutions and APHRC’s capacity-strengthening initiatives, while also learning from global best practices that can inform leadership development across African research environments.
| CARTA Members Feted at Wits 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards | |
CARTA congratulates Nicola Christofides, Daphney Conco, and Sara Jewett on their recognition at the University of the Witwatersrand 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards, held on October 30, 2025. Nicola, a dedicated CARTA training facilitator, was honoured with the Supervision Award for her exceptional professionalism, servant leadership, and technical excellence, which have significantly strengthened Wits’ fundraising, engagement, and mentorship capabilities.
In addition, the Faculty of Health Sciences Wellness Committee, chaired by Sara, together with the Transformation Committee, co-chaired by Daphney, CARTA Co-focal Person at Wits, received the Transformation Award (Team Category) for the committee's outstanding contributions to institutional transformation, inclusive leadership, and fostering a more equitable research environment. These recognitions underscore the remarkable impact of the CARTA family in advancing academic leadership, excellence, and equity within African research and higher education institutions.
| Three APHRC Scientists Elected to the African Academy of Sciences | | We celebrate the election of three researchers from African Population and Health Research Center to the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). They include Engelbert Luchuo, Head of International Programs at APHRC and CARTA Co-Focal Person, Dickson Amugsi, Associate Research Scientist, and Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala, Senior Visiting Scholar at APHRC. This prestigious recognition, awarded through a highly competitive selection process, reflects their sustained contributions to research, mentorship, and scientific leadership. Their election underscores APHRC’s growing impact in advancing scientific excellence on the continent. | APHRC Hosts Annual AHDARS 2025 | |
The African Population and Health Research Center, in partnership with the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA), GSMA, and the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), hosted the 2025 Africa Health and Development Annual Research Symposium (AHDARS) in Nairobi and online from November 19–20. The symposium, themed “Decolonizing Global Health in the Age of Digital Transformation: Rethinking Aid and Partnerships as Africa Leads Its Future,” convened researchers, policymakers, innovators, and private sector leaders to explore African-led approaches to global health.
AHDARS 2025 provided a platform for institutions, governments, and development partners to advance decolonization and foster a more equitable and self-sufficient research and development landscape across the continent. Through keynote talks, panel discussions, and policy dialogues, participants explored financing models, digital health governance, data equity, and Africa’s research architecture. The discussions emphasized leveraging AI, digital innovations, and stronger research ecosystems to tackle public health challenges.
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Aneth Kalinjuma, cohort 10, completed her PhD studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. She will have her degree conferred at the graduation ceremony scheduled for December 9, 2025. Her thesis, titled “Transition dynamics and treatment outcomes among HIV-positive patients of Ifakara, Tanzania: A comprehensive analysis for optimizing the existing longitudinal cohort data,” analyzed HIV treatment outcomes and transition dynamics, generating evidence to inform improvements in patient care and health system planning in Tanzania.
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Nomfundo Moroe, cohort 6, University of the Witwatersrand, was elected as one of the Academic Staff Members on the University Senate, effective October 28, 2025, for a three-year term. In this role, she will contribute to advancing teaching, learning, research, and academic governance at Wits. Nomfundo credits CARTA’s mentorship, training, and professional development support for shaping her academic journey and leadership growth, and she looks forward to carrying forward the consortium’s values of excellence, collaboration, and transformative scholarship in this new role.
| | Early Career Researchers in Action | | |
University of Nairobi CARTA graduate Gertrude Shepelo, cohort 8, has been taking part in a three-month teaching mobility program since October 2025 under the TransNational Education (TNE) project WAGON2Africa. She is teaching master’s students of Animal Science at the University of Torino, Italy, on how tropical animals such as camels adapt to their unique environments. The mobility integrates animal science, ecology, and sustainable food systems while fostering intercultural dialogue by comparing livestock production practices between Kenya and Italy. Through this experience, Gertrude is strengthening the internationalization of curricula and building opportunities for future collaboration in research, teaching, and co-supervision.
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Lilian Njagi, cohort 9, received the 2025 International Infrastructure Award from the UW/Fred Hutch Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). The award supports the execution, efficiency, and development of various HIV research projects and builds capacity for collaborative and innovative international HIV research activities. Lilian was awarded $10,000 in direct costs to complete the renovation and minor alterations of TB/TB-HIV Clinical Research Rooms at the KEMRI Center for Respiratory Disease Research.
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Godwin Anywar, cohort 6 graduate, Makerere University, won a Post-doctoral Travel Grant to attend the 73rd International Congress & AGM of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) in Naples, Italy, held from August 31 to September 3, 2025, at the Royal Continental Hotel. Godwin also played a key role in organizing the 21st Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA) International Symposium at Makerere University, from November 1–3, 2025, serving as Vice President and Vice Chairperson of the Organizing Committee.
Additionally, he presented a short lecture and poster on his project titled “Traditional Medicine in Transition in Uganda: Past, Present and Future,” funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation under the SOR4D program. He was also a panelist at the UTANA hybrid symposium on authorship in the knowledge society, held on November 21, 2025, at Silver Springs Hotel, Kampala, where he presented on “Contextualizing an Author and Authorship as an Acknowledged Occupation.” Godwin has also joined the International Science Council’s (ISC) Forum on Publishing and Research Assessment, contributing to global discussions on research evaluation and scholarly publishing.
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Funding Opportunity: FemFocus 2026–2030
The Government of the Netherlands invites applications for FemFocus 2026–2030, a grant program supporting women’s economic participation, leadership in peacebuilding, and combating violence against women and girls. Eligible civil society organizations can apply under three instruments: entrepreneurship, violence & human-rights defenders, and women, peace & security. Grants support advocacy, service delivery, and capacity strengthening, with strong emphasis on local ownership.
Details | Deadline: January 7, 2026
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Funding Opportunity: Danida Fellowship Centre Research Grants 2026
The Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC), on behalf of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is calling for research applications for its 2026 Development Research Collaboration program. The grants support collaborative research projects between Danish institutions and partners in eligible low- and middle-income countries.
Details |Deadline: February 5, 2026
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Call for Applications: ANH Academy Science-Policy Fellowships (2026 – 2027)
The Agriculture, Nutrition & Health (ANH) Academy invites applications for its Science-Policy Fellowships Round 2. This 12-month, full-time Fellowship supports evidence-based decision-making by placing researchers in policy organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, to translate recent research to shape policies that promote healthy, equitable, and sustainable diets. Fellows will be guided by a Policy Mentor (from a public-sector institution) and a Research Mentor (from academia). Eligible candidates may come from any country or background, with an earned doctorate in any field related to agriculture, nutrition, or health. Candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia are especially encouraged to apply, including those working elsewhere who would return to their home country for the policy placement. Details | Deadline: February 26, 2026
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Call for Applications: SACEMA Policy Modelling Fellowship (2026)
The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling & Analysis (SACEMA) invites applications for its 2026 Policy Modelling Fellowship, a 10-month fully funded program focused on measles and/or polio modelling to strengthen evidence-based immunization policy in Africa. Fellows will receive remote mentorship, attend a two-week modelling workshop and a four- to six-week in-person residency in South Africa, and work closely with national Ministries of Health to analyze surveillance and vaccination data. The fellowship covers travel, accommodation, training, and provides a stipend.
Details | Deadline: December 7, 2025.
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Call for Applications: Oxford Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Research
The Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health at the University of Oxford (Nuffield Department of Medicine) is now accepting applications for its fully online Postgraduate Diploma in Global Health Research, delivered over four terms (14 months). This course is tailored for professionals working on the design, funding, regulation, or implementation of global health research, especially in resource-limited settings. Tropical Medicine Students learn how to ethically and effectively plan, run, analyze, and translate health research in low-resource contexts, using real-world study examples.
Details | Deadline: December 2, 2025.
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Call for Applications: Ghent University Doctoral Scholarships for Global South Candidates (2026)
Ghent University invites applications for its Doctoral Scholarships for Candidates from the Global South (BOF DOS), supporting 24-month PhD research stays at Ghent in partnership with a home institution in the Global South. Applicants must be citizens of eligible Global South countries and have secured co-funding for the portion of the PhD conducted at their home institution.
Details | Deadline: February 17, 2026.
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Call for Abstracts: Evidence to Impact Symposium 2026
The Population Council, in partnership with the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), and the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), invites abstracts for the Evidence to Impact Symposium: Shaping Adolescent-Centered Policies and Programs in Eastern and Southern Africa, scheduled on June 9 – 11, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. The symposium aims to bridge the gap between research evidence, policy, and program implementation to improve adolescent well-being, particularly for girls, across the region. Researchers, policymakers, civil society, youth organizations, and funders are encouraged to submit abstracts exploring how evidence can drive impact in areas such as adolescent health, education, skills development, digital inclusion, and resilience in the face of social, environmental, and digital changes.
Details | Deadline: December 6, 2025
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Access a wide range of opportunities related to the National Institute for Health and Care Research here:
latest-NIHR-funding-opportunities
Disclaimer:
The opportunities CARTA shares are mostly from external parties. Linking to an external site does not constitute endorsement by CARTA.
| | Research into Policy Toolkit: The EDCTP Knowledge Hub, in collaboration with The Global Health Network (TGHN), offers a free, open‑access ‘Research into Policy’ Toolkit that helps researchers translate health research findings into real‑world policy and practice. It guides users through key phases — evidence generation, monitoring & evaluation, and implementation, and introduces well-established frameworks and assessments like SAGE to improve alignment between research and policy. Details | | Master the Art of Grant Writing: Explore Grant Writing Webinar Series from APHRC's Afrique Research Support Hub (ARSH) program, featuring sessions on proposal development, budgeting, ethics, and grant resubmissions. Watch the French and English recordings. | Streamline your Grant Management Like a pro! Learn practical tips for designing and operationalizing an effective risk and opportunity register, from risk identification and assessment, to assigning management responsibilities, developing treatment plans, and instituting ongoing monitoring and review. Watch here. | Elevate Your Peer Review Expertise: Discover key principles of research integrity, sharpen your review skills, and learn practical tips for navigating the publishing process with confidence and clarity. Register here for a Webinar on Peer Review and Research Integrity. | | WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU | | |
To be featured in the next CARTA Monthly, share with us your news and updates
via email to cartacomms@cartafrica.org on or before December 10, 2025.
Submissions should include but are not limited to:
Upcoming events, meetings, story ideas, new collaborations, new trials/updates, upcoming and published papers, policy briefs, community engagement activities, scholarships, what you are reading, if you won a grant, attending or about an upcoming conference, a call for applications/funding/papers, etc.
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