MORU - OUCRU Discovery Research Academy

The MORU–OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) is a Wellcome-funded initiative from the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU).

FOR INQUIRIES ABOUT MODRA, CONTACT US:

leigh.jones@ndm.ox.ac.uk

COHORT 2 APPLICATION CLOSED

With a focus on global health and infectious diseases, this 18-month programme is designed to empower early to mid-career post-doctoral researchers within our extensive network across Asian low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Our vision is to transform the landscape of health research in South Asia by building capacity, enhancing research skills, and fostering a vibrant community of researchers. We aim to: 

  • Provide researchers with access to high-quality training, and mentorship. 
  • Offer workshops in grant writing, pitching, project and financial management. 
  • Enable researchers to establish collaborations and obtain seed funding for their research projects.  
  • Embed mentorship schemes with senior scientists for career development. 
  • Grow a strong, engaged research community across the region.
OUR MISSION

MODRA’s mission is to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders in low- and middle-income countries of South Asia.

Our Network

OUCRU and MORU are a unique constellation of research units collaborating across South Asia. We are united by a shared history and commitment to tackling global health problems and infectious diseases that pose significant health challenges in the region. Our affiliation with the Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health at the University of Oxford ensures that we maintain the highest international standards in research and training. 

Our expertise spans a range of critical areas including malaria, tuberculosis, critical care, emerging infections, and more. We conduct rigorous clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and embrace innovative technologies and methodologies to address pressing health issues. 

 

How to Apply

Programme Timeline

Empowering researchers
Elevating discovery research
Fostering collaborations

MODRA Cohorts Directory

Cohort 1 (2024-2025)
Cohort 2 (2025-2026)

News

1 2

Frequently Asked Questions

The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) is a collaborative initiative by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU). It aims to empower early to mid-career post-doctoral researchers from South Asia to conduct impactful research in global health and infectious diseases and to assist their career development within the region.

Eligible candidates are early to mid-career post-doctoral researchers based in South Asia. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in global health, and/or infectious disease research, and a commitment to improving health in the region.

MODRA offers bespoke workshops, mentorship from senior Wellcome Asia and Africa Programme scientists, grant writing support, access to seed awards for preliminary research, and opportunities for networking and collaboration within the research community. 

Please note that MODRA does not provide a salary to its participants.

There are no application fees. MODRA covers costs associated with the workshops, training sessions, and mentorship.  

The program runs over eighteen months for each cohort. Participants are expected to commit to the full duration of the program to ensure they can fully benefit from the workshops, mentorship and networking opportunities provided. 

MODRA primarily targets researchers who are currently based in South Asia. If you are from the region but temporarily based elsewhere, please contact us to discuss your eligibility. 

Researchers are expected to enhance their research capacity, seek funding for their research projects, and contribute to the advancement of health research in South Asia. Long-term, the program aims to foster a network of leaders who will continue to collaborate and drive impactful research in the region. 

For more information or if you have any other questions, feel free to contact us at leigh.jones@ndm.ox.ac.uk.

Meet Our Passionate Team

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