The purpose of the SDF is to address identified skill gap areas through training and mentorship. The priority skills that the scheme currently focuses on are:
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Computation
- Informatics
- Health Economics
These skills can be applied across the full range of the MRC’s remit relevant to translational research in Global Health including but not limited to; development of drugs, diagnostics, vaccines, vector control, disease control/elimination tools, public health interventions, health systems, and policy making.
The scientific theme for the LSTM-hosted SDF is primarily Global Health with a focus on translational and quantitative skills development. The strategic aims of the scheme are:
- To develop a cadre of talented researchers who demonstrate leadership in translational research relevant to Global Health.
- To develop researchers with the quantitative and interdisciplinary skills needed to work across the traditional phases of translational research.
- To develop bridge scientists who can translate scientific innovation into beneficial impact on health for the world’s most vulnerable people and communities.