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<div class="gmail_quote">From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Lynette Martin</b> <span dir="ltr"><a href="mailto:lmartin@uwc.ac.za">lmartin@uwc.ac.za</a></span><br><br><br><br><br>University of the Western Cape, Community & Health Sciences Faculty<br>
PhD Bursaries Available in HIV & AIDS Research for 2009<br><br>3 PhD BURSARIES: DBBS/VLIR PROGRAMME<br><br>The University of the Western Cape has an established tradition as a university committed to the needs of a society in transition, using its academic mandate as a lever for societal change. In collaboration with Flemish partners (VLIR) UWC has established the Dynamics of Building a Better Society programme (DBBS). The DBBS label speaks strongly of UWC's ongoing commitment to align its education mandate with that of establishing a new political, social and economic order in South Africa. DBBS fosters hope by supplying the relevant knowledge to those in a position to make a difference.<br>
<br>HIV is the most important public health problem of our time. In South Africa, the National Department of Health estimates that 5.54 million South Africans were living with HIV in 2005, an estimated prevalence of 10.8%. As a result of HIV, SA is one of 22 high burden TB countries and has the fifth highest number of notified TB cases in the world. Important contributing factors to the spread of HIV are gender power imbalances and gender-based violence. It is increasingly recognised that in order to decrease the burden of HIV/AIDS and other diseases in developing countries health systems (including human resources, health information systems and support services) must be strengthened.<br>
<br>The DBBS programme has included as one of its priorities "Transforming Health & Education Policies & Systems for Improved HIV Prevention & Care". The overall academic objective is to develop sustainable HIV-related research capacity in a multidisciplinary HIV Research Centre housed in the School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences. The overall development objective is to transform health and education policies and systems with the aim 1) to decrease the burden of HIV and TB, 2) to improve the impact of education on HIV/AIDS prevention and 3) to develop initiatives for prevention of and response to gender-based violence.<br>
<br>In the 2009 academic year the UWC DBBS programme will be offering three (3) PhD bursaries in the area of HIV and AIDS research. One bursary will be awarded within each of the following concentration areas:<br>* HIV/TB & Health Systems<br>
* HIV & Education, and<br>* HIV & Gender-Based Violence/Reproductive Health<br><br>Applicants are required to complete an application form (attached) and submit two confidential referee reports. Candidates will be shortlisted and the shortlisted candidates' applications are shared with the Flemish project leaders for input and consideration. Interviews will be conducted locally with the shortlisted candidates by a UWC/Flemish panel. The DBBS HIV & AIDS Project Management Committee in conjunction with the Flemish project leaders make the final decision with respect to the award of the DBBS scholarships. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Renewal is dependent on the student's annual progress and informed by a supervisor progress report. Each bursary will be for 3 years maximum.<br>
<br>In line with the University's commitment to transformation, applications from the designated groups will be given priority consideration. The University reserves the right not to make a scholarship award or to make the award at a lower level. We will not acknowledge applications and only unsuccessful short-listed candidates will receive regret letters.<br>
<br>Applications should be submitted to Carnita Ernest (<a href="mailto:cernest@uwc.ac.za">cernest@uwc.ac.za</a> ) by 6th October 2008.<br>Contact Dr Patricia Struthers (<a href="mailto:pstruthers@uwc.ac.za">pstruthers@uwc.ac.za</a>) with any questions or queries regarding the DBBS/VLIR programme.<br>
<br>2 PhD BURSARIES: CDPC PROGRAMME<br><br><br>In the 2009 academic year Irish Aid and the Combat Diseases of Poverty Consortium (CDPC) will be awarding two (2) PhD bursaries in the area of HIV and AIDS research, specifically in the area of Access and Adherence to ARV Treatment for HIV. Each bursary will be for three years maxiumum, renewable annually depending on the candidate's performance.<br>
<br>Applicants are required to be fluent in Afrikaans and English and fluency in Xhosa would be an advantage. In addition, applicants are required to make themselves available for extensive fieldwork, and to travel to Europe for up to four consecutive months during the course of their bursary.<br>
<br>Applicants must complete an application form, and submit two written confidential referee reports. Candidates will be shortlisted and the shortlisted candidates' applications are shared with the Irish project leaders for input and consideration. Interviews will be conducted locally with the shortlisted candidates by a UWC/Irish panel. The Project Management Committee in conjunction with the Irish project leaders will make the final decision with respect to the award of the Irish Aid/CDPC scholarships. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Renewal is dependent on the student's annual progress and informed by a supervisor progress report. The successful applicants will be working as part of an interdisciplinary team at UWC.<br>
<br>In line with the University's commitment to transformation, applications from the designated groups will be given priority consideration. The University reserves the right not to make a scholarship award or to make the award at a lower level. We will not acknowledge applications and only unsuccessful short-listed candidates will receive regret letters.<br>
<br>Applications should be submitted to Carnita Ernest (<a href="mailto:cernest@uwc.ac.za">cernest@uwc.ac.za</a> ) by 6 October 2008<br>Contact Dr Brian van Wyk (<a href="mailto:bvanwyk@uwc.ac.za">bvanwyk@uwc.ac.za</a>) with any questions or queries regarding the CDPC programme.<br>
<br>Application forms available on request.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Ms. Lynette Martin<br>Secretary to Prof David Sanders<br>School of Public Health<br>University of the Western Cape<br>Private Bag X17<br>Bellville, 7535<br>
Cape, South Africa<br><br>Tel: 27-21-959 2132/2402<br>Fax: 27-21-959 2872<br>Email: <a href="mailto:lmartin@uwc.ac.za">lmartin@uwc.ac.za</a><br><br><br></div><br></div>