Training programs

From your first research question to your first publication.

CRENC’s programs are not four separate offers. They are one tiered pathway — open weekly sessions, mentored thesis support, a hands-on internship, and advanced associate work — each ending in something you can publish.

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4 programs  ·  Mentored by practising researchers  ·  GCP certification  ·  A publication as the deliverable

Capacity building

Growing Africa’s next generation of researchers

Our integrated research capacity and career development pathway combines foundational learning, hands-on experience, mentorship, open courses, and practical research resources.

Step 0101

CRENC-IeDEA Research Calls

Weekly research calls, open all year for structured learning and exchange.

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Step 0202

Studentship Program

For students at thesis level who need guided support for ethical research.

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Step 0303

Internship Program

Six months of hands-on experience across real research workflows.

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Step 0404

Research Associates

Advanced training for researchers ready to contribute and lead.

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Online Courses

Self-paced e-learning in research methods, ethics, writing, and implementation science.

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✎

Research Blog

Insights, updates, explainers, and lessons from the CRENC research community.

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Compare the four programs

Integrated pathway

Four tiers, one pathway

  1. 01Foundational learning
  2. 02Guided research
  3. 03Applied practice
  4. 04Independent research

Choose your program

Which program fits where you are?

Compare commitment, entry requirements, and what you walk away with. Places are limited on every mentored program.

Scroll sideways on smaller screens to compare all four programs.
At a glance Tier 01Monday Research Calls Tier 02Studentship Program Tier 03Internship Program Tier 04Research Associates
Format Weekly online sessions, open to all Mentored thesis accompaniment Full-time, learn-by-doing placement Intensive, on-demand training
Duration Every Monday, year-round 3–12 months, flexible start 6 months On demand
Who it’s for Master’s, MD and PhD students; clinicians, nurses and allied health professionals Medical students and Master’s or PhD candidates at thesis level Recent graduates in public health or epidemiology; early-career professionals Early-career researchers and PhD candidates moving into advanced research or academia
What you produce Session participation and presentation experience A thesis and at least one publication (mandatory) A scientific manuscript (primary deliverable) A complete research manuscript or protocol
Certification Certificate of recognition, subject to attendance and participation GCP certification, mandatory before research begins GCP certification GCP certification
Selection Open registration · limited places Interview, supervisor approval, letter of motivation CV and letter of motivation · limited places CV, letter of motivation and application form · very limited places
Learn more See details → See details → See details → See details →

How to apply

What happens after you apply

The mentored programs share the same entry route. Monday Research Calls need only registration.

  1. 01

    Submit your application

    Send a CV and a letter of motivation setting out your research interests and your commitment to the program.

  2. 02

    Interview

    Discuss your application, your suitability, and whether your goals align with the program — so both sides share the same expectations.

  3. 03

    Sign the MOU

    On selection you sign a memorandum of understanding and receive your assigned research question. Your program officially begins.

  4. 04

    Certify in GCP

    Complete certified Good Clinical Practice training. This is mandatory before any research activity starts.

Then, with your mentors

Proposal developmentProtocol implementationData analysis in R, STATA or SPSSScientific writingDefencePublication

What you will need

  • A strong CV showing any prior research training or experience.
  • A letter of motivation outlining your interests and commitment.
  • Supervisor approval, where your institution requires it.
  • Working knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Places are limited on every mentored program, and very limited on the Research Associates Program.