The aim of the MicroResearch program is to facilitate the development of multidisciplinary community based health research in Africa.

MicroResearch funds projects that fulfill the MR mission: “Improving health care outcomes with innovative community based research that assures quality and integration of research into the fabric of the local health system and the community.” 

Grant Applications deadline May 1 & November 1

Applications will be judged on:

  • Feasibility,

  • Importance, and

  • Scientific merit and novelty

The reviewers will come from East Africa and Canada and will have a good knowledge of the research field. Reviewers will assess the need for doing the research and whether the team members involved will be able to do it well. Experience is important. That is why the corresponding principal investigator of the team must have completed a MicroResearch training workshop and received a Certificate at completion of the session.

The MicroResearch application will be done electronically. A member on the team familiar with the internet should prepare the application using Microsoft Word (version 2003 or later).

There are two MicroResearch Grant competitions each year; one in May and another in November. MicroResearch Workshop graduates are encouraged to apply. 

  • The first step will be to download the application form onto your computer.

  • Next review the instructions carefully.

  • Next review Chapter 16, “Writing a Research Grant” from the Book on the flash drive (memory stick) you were given during the workshop.

  • Then do a rough draft, and discuss it with the team and your mentors.

  • When you are ready to submit, send it as an attachment to microresearch@dal.ca

 

ELIGIBILITY

Applications for MicroResearch projects usually occur as a result of a project idea initiated during a MicroResearch workshop, by members of the workshop team. Proposals usually occur within 12 months of the workshop.

Note: A first grant application that does not meet the criteria listed above will only be considered if fully justified. Contact MicroResearch at least one month in advance of the deadline if such consideration for eligibility is being requested.

“I saw some participants are already connected on skype, they even have cameras built within their computers. …We have invited everyone to come for a meeting … in our boardroom to plan how we shall proceed. The local mentors are already identified and will also attend the meeting, Basil, Moses and Maling.”
— Ms. Teddy Kyomuhangi, Manager Healthy Child Uganda, Mbarara, Uganda

First TIME Grant Applications


Project Team Leader (PTL):

  • Must hold a certificate of attendance from a MicroResearch workshop. Certificates were issued to all graduates of past workshops (2008-present).
     

Project Team members:

  • Team must consist of at least 3 members (including PTL).

  • At least 2 of the other team members must hold MR Certificates.

  • Team members (certificate and non-certificate holders) must have a least 3 different professional backgrounds.


Second TIME Grant Applications

(FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF A MICRORESEARCH FUNDED PROJECT, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS)

Project Team Leader (PLT):

  • Must hold a Certificate of attendance at a MicroResearch workshop (Certificates were issued to all graduates of past workshops (2008-present).

  • Must be a member on a team that has completed a MicroResearch Team Grant (i.e. the project must have been published in a PubMed journal or the project must have led to a report that led to a change in policy from an institution or the Ministry of Health).

  • Must not be a member on any other active MicroResearch project.

  • Must complete certification criteria for GCP (Good Clinical Practices). There are free online courses and certification at the following sites: https://globalhealthtrainingcentre.tghn.org/ich-good-clinical-practice/ or https://gcp.nidatraining.org

  • Must complete the eight MicroResearch “Writing Skills” modules. These are found on the “Curriculum” Tab on the MicroResearch website. You must register for access to the curriculum site to begin this aspect.

Project Team members: 

  • Team must consist of at least 3 members (including PTL).

  • At least 1 of the other team members must hold a MR Certificate.

  • Team members (certificate and non-certificate holders) must have a least 3 different professional backgrounds.

Knowledge Translation Grants

MicroResearchers who have completed a project and have published their findings have the opportunity to apply for additional funds for Knowledge Translation (KT) expenses. This grant offers a maximum of $1,000 (CAD) to be used for KT expenses, such as event planning, promotional materials, and communications costs.

As part of the KT grant application, teams must describe the intended audience, objectives, and strategies of their KT plan, as well as outline the proposed budget.

Teams are asked to consult with their site and international coaches for guidance. KT grant applications are accepted year-round and undergo the same peer-review process as other MR grants.

Eligibility criteria:

  • PTL must have successfully completed a MR project.

  • The findings from the MR project must have been published in a peer-review journal.

Contact MicroResearch if you have any questions about the application process, what KT grants can be used for, or if you meet eligibility criteria.

Application Instructions:

Click here for Application Instructions.

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Project Application Form:

Click here for the Application Form.

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PROJECT UPDATE FORM:

Click here for the Semi-Annual Project Update form, to be completed every 6 months.

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Knowledge translation application instructions:

Click here to view the application instructions for KT grants

Knowledge translation Application Form:

Click here for the KT Application Form