Building research leadership: How MODRA supported Dr Sabina Dongol’s journey to securing international research funding
Dr Sabina Dongol, a member of the first MODRA cohort, has secured a Wellcome Infectious Disease Clinical Trial Development Award as lead applicant and contributed to a successful CARB-X proposal. She reflects on how mentorship, training, and collaboration through MODRA helped strengthen her research leadership and prepare her to pursue competitive international funding.
MODRA cohort 1 where they are now and what comes next (Part 3)
Eighteen months after joining MODRA, our first fellows are leading projects, winning grants, and building new collaborations across the region.
MODRA Cohort 1: Where they are now and what comes next? (part 2)
Eighteen months after joining MODRA, our first fellows are leading projects, winning grants, and building new collaborations across the region.
Strengthening Vaccine Communication Capacity: OUCRU and NIHE Deliver Training of Trainers Programme for National Vaccine Trainers
On 5–6 May 2026, the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) successfully delivered a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Vaccine Communication Skills at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) in Hanoi. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of national trainers responsible for supporting vaccine communication and consultation skills among healthcare workers across Vietnam.
From MODRA to Wellcome Sanger Fellowship: Dr Le Thanh Hoang Nhat reflects on Growth and Connection
Dr Nhat, a MODRA alumnus, has been awarded the Wellcome Sanger Fellowship. Reflecting on his journey, he highlights how mentorship, regional collaboration and focused training through MODRA helped shape a competitive research proposal and strengthen his direction as an independent researcher.
First MODRA cohort graduates
The first cohort of the MORU–OUCRU Discovery Research Academy, MODRA, has officially graduated following a final four-day workshop held in December 2025 in Sanur, Bali. The workshop marked the conclusion […]
Empowering Ethical and Inclusive Research: OUCRU Piloting the Engagement Project Design Training
The Public and Community Engagement Group is piloting a training to support research practitioners in designing impactful research-engagement projects.
MODRA Cohort 2: From ideas to action
Following the success of the first MODRA workshop in September, where participants developed strong research grant proposals, the MODRA Cohort 2 researchers reconvened at OUCRU Ho Chi Minh City for Workshop 2, focused on taking their projects from paper to practice.
OUCRU alumnus appointed as new Director of Children’s Hospital 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Dr Ngô Ngọc Quang Minh, an OUCRU PhD graduate, has been appointed as the new Director of Children’s Hospital 1, the leading paediatric referral hospital for Ho Chi Minh City and southern Viet Nam. His appointment was announced by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health and takes effect from 1 October 2025.
MODRA Cohort 2 begins: Empowering the next generation of leaders in global health
Fifteen emerging scientists from South and Southeast Asia begin an 18-month journey with MODRA. Together, they are gaining the skills to lead research that makes a difference in global health.
OUCRU Nepal Hosts ICH GCP E6(R3) Training to Advance Clinical Research Standards
Kathmandu, September 4, 2025 — OUCRU Nepal hosted a three-day training workshop on the revised ICH GCP E6(R3) guidelines at the Malla Hotel, Kathmandu, from August 18–20, 2025. This was […]
15 emerging Asian global health researchers selected to join MODRA
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) announces its 2025 cohort of emerging researchers in global health and infectious diseases.
Celebrating OUCRU’s PhD graduates and welcoming new scholars
Each year, OUCRU celebrates the achievements of its PhD graduates and welcomes a new cohort of scholars embarking on impactful research in infectious diseases and public health.
Building better vaccines: Dr Thitinan Kitisin explores tonsil organoids models in Thailand
Years of groundwork have led Assistant Professor Dr Thitinan Kitisin to his first major step: leading an advanced vaccine research project in Thailand. With support from MODRA, he’s now developing one of the first tonsil organoid models in the country, a small but important step toward improving how vaccines are tested. Along the way, he’s also passing on practical research skills to the next generation of Thai scientists.
Dr Sulochana Manandhar: Tackling newborn infection risks in Nepal
At OUCRU Nepal, microbiologist Sulochana Manandhar spent much of her early career at the lab bench, examining bacteria, fine-tuning methods, and chasing answers to scientific questions. Now, with support from the MODRA programme, she’s leading her first hospital-based study, bringing new attention to neonatal health risks in Nepal.
Dr Duong Thi Hue Kien: From post-PhD uncertainty to leading international research
Finding My Path After PhD “After finishing my PhD, I felt isolated and uncertain about the future,” recalls Dr Kien. For four years, her research was focused entirely on understanding […]
MODRA Workshop 2: Putting research ideas into action
The MORU-OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) Workshop 2 was recently held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
MODRA Workshop 1: Empowering early-career scientists to secure competitive research grants
The MORU-OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) recently concluded its inaugural workshop in Bangkok. This intensive five-day programme equipped 15 promising postdoctoral researchers with the skills required to complete a high-quality seed proposal.
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy Announces its First Cohort
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) is thrilled to announce the selection of its first cohort of the programme.
OUCRU 2024 Prize Studentship
Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s OUCRU-SOVICO Prize Studentships! These excellent candidates will join the OUCRU PhD family and enrol at the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Medicine. […]