Research Methodology (REMETH) PhD support Programme

Overview

The REMETH PhD support program aims to improve retention of academics at UKZN, produce faculty of high quality and caliber, and produce locally relevant, good quality research that will strengthen public health systems.  

The initial goal was to enroll a total of 50 candidates, 50% being women. PhD candidates receive a bursary of R50.000, (~US$ 4.000, 00) and various supportive workshops including basic and intermediate epidemiology, biostatistics and systematic review modules facilitated by CU, University of Washington (UW) and Stellenbosch University. 

Students have attended grant, scientific and manuscript writing workshops to enable them to attain additional grant funding for their research and to structure their thesis and research papers.  MEPI has also provided research administrative support and data capturing assistance. CU has played a mentorship role to some of the PhD candidates which has proven to be beneficial. 

A total of 57 candidates were accepted into the program but unfortunately 6 (12%) withdrew. The majority of the candidates are female (69%) and 39% Black African. To date, 6 candidates have graduated with their PhDs in April 2015.  Two of those candidates are black, African females, Prof  Koleka Mlisana and Prof  Ncoza Dlova, who have gone on to become the heads of the Disciplines of Microbiology and Dermatology, respectively.

Responsible Conduct of Research: 

All research students enrolled in the MEPI REMETH programme undergo Good Clinical Practice and Human Subjects Protection training to ensure full compliance with international and local standards. MEPI has provided a dedicated GCP  course for our candidates and all candidates are also expected to complete the online  SA TRREE ethics module  , with a certificate on completion. 

As part of their contractual obligations, REMETH candidates need to remain in the public sector in the SADC countries for a period of two years following the completion of their degree. This also serves to foster the retention of academics within the African region.