The goal of this online event is to bring United Kingdom and South African early career researchers (ECRs) together to network and develop projects that address climate change impacts on malaria in southern Africa. Successful applicants will be awarded £5000 towards their relevant project.

Background

Malaria is considered the most important and deadly mosquito-borne disease across the world, and killed 409 000 people (90% in Africa) in 2019. There is increasing concern that climate change will shift the distribution and burden of malaria, resulting in cessation or decline in progress of control programmes. It is becoming evident that there is a need to direct resources and efforts towards addressing malaria and the effects of climate change through the power of transdisciplinary collaboration and connection to identify innovative solutions to address the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Conference of Parties number 26 (COP26) priorities to be held in November in Glasgow, UK. This British Council funded Researcher Links Climate Challenge Workshop, in collaboration with University of Pretoria (UP), University of Liverpool (UoL), South African Weather Service (SAWS) and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), will be virtually presented with mentors and participants from across multiple fields with focus on medical entomology, climate change and vector-borne disease models, encompassing an interdisciplinary approach.

Brief overview

The training workshop will be virtually presented over 2.5 days: 19th to 21st July 2021. It will include keynotes, career development, breakout sessions and three training sessions on:

1. Medical entomology and epidemiology.

2. Geo-spatial science for understanding of malaria transmission in time and space.

3. Climate data for disease modelling.

*We intend to have an ice breaker and technical run through to set up access to the IBM resources about two weeks before the workshop (date to be confirmed).

Challenge Prize small projects

Selected ECRs from the UK and SA will be encouraged to identify small collaborative projects for application to receive one of four £6000 Challenge Prizes towards their use supervised by their own institutions, and up to £5000 towards their relevant project; applications to be received no later than 14 days of the workshop completion. These small projects will be mentored by senior mentors across the relevant fields to guide ECRs to complete activities before 31 March 2022.

Application process:

• Please complete the application form. Deadline for applications now is 11 June 2021, now open. But apply as soon as possible please. We have a small amount of flexibility in the deadline if you are still gathering paperwork.

• Applicants will be required to upload a one page cover letter and two page CV detailing relevant experience (heading will be given). Along with additional certification (see application form for further details).

• Selection will be a continuous process until deadline, or all places filled. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

• Application queries can be directed to Dr Megan Riddin (megan.riddin@up.ac.za).

Applicant requirements:

• Preference is given to applicants that hold a PhD (ECR up to equivalent of 10 years post PhD will be accepted).

• Those registered for a relevant Ph.D. within or close to the fields below may also apply but should hold a relevant Masters degree.

• Relevant experience must be proven in any two, or ideally three, of the following fields: mathematical modelling, medical entomology, epidemiology, geography, climatology, hydrology, socioeconomics, zoonotic diseases or biostatistics.

• Employed within a UK or SA academic, public or private institution.

• Proficient in the English language.

• Access to a stable internet network connection and computer for the duration.