Clinical ResEArch Training fellowship with Industry involVEment

The Clinical ResEArch Training fellowship with Industry involVEment (CREATIVE) programme supports the scope of EDCTP3 through strengthening clinical research capacity in service of reducing the burden of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Upskilling a cadre of African scientists through academic training, clinical research experience and industry exposure will equip them to tackle major infectious disease threats in the region and across the world. CREATIVE will deliver top-tier academic training through blended distance learning and face-to-face MSc study to 12 Fellows from six countries in Eastern, Western and Southern Africa (Ethiopia, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe). Internationally-recognised health research institutions have joined forces, based on their breadth and depth of clinical research, ability to support Fellows and experience in successfully delivering capacity strengthening schemes. Integrated with academic training, CREATIVE Fellows will be strategically embedded in a clinical trial or other clinical research study in their home country host institution. CREATIVE will go beyond conventional training by engaging with industry partners. Fellows will apply for industry internships, ensuring a comprehensive and hands-on development experience. Together with the nominated industry partner, Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech), we will develop a multifaceted approach designed to position Fellows for advancement along a diverse array of career pathways, meanwhile strengthening clinical research capacity and innovation in Africa. CREATIVE will foster networking opportunities for Fellows, laying the foundations for future collaboration across the African continent. By combining academic excellence, practical application, career development support, mentoring and industry engagement, CREATIVE will empower Fellows with a well-rounded skill set and a robust network, propelling them towards impactful contributions in the field of clinical research.