East Africa Biodesign Fellowship
February 14, 2025 2025-07-30 8:47East Africa Biodesign Fellowship
East Africa Biodesign (EAB) Fellowship
The East Africa Biodesign (EAB) Fellowship is a 10-month program led by UGHE, the University of Rwanda, and Kenyatta University, in partnership with Mussallem Centre for Biodesign. This program trains multidisciplinary fellows to identify and address unmet healthcare needs in East Africa using the Biodesign process – a systematic approach to developing need-driven MedTech solutions.
Through classroom learning, hands-on experience, and expert mentorship, fellows gain the skills to design, validate, and implement healthcare innovations that promote equitable healthcare delivery in the region.
EAB is committed to fostering need-driven innovations founded on the true understanding of unmet healthcare needs of the East African region by using the Biodesign process. This process is a systematic approach to identify unmet healthcare needs and leverage this deep appreciation to design solutions and develop business and commercialization plans to bring them to patients.
The Biodesign Process
Over 10-months, our multidisciplinary group of fellows engage in a transformative project-based learning experience, combining classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and mentorship from experts in the MedTech ecosystem. They learn to identify unmet clinical needs, conduct rigorous validation research, develop solutions and implementation strategies that promote equitable healthcare delivery.
“The EAB program has taught me that listening in a team goes beyond merely pausing to talk and giving space. It involves actively thinking through with the speaker and taking the time to reflect on their words. Listening is the catalyst for effective teamwork in Biodesign.” – Maureen Valle, EAB’24 fellow, Malawi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the fellowship differ from a traditional master’s (or other advanced degree) program?
First, the training you receive in the EBA Fellowship is highly experiential – you’ll learn primarily by working on your project and interacting with expert mentors rather than sitting in a classroom. Second, the fellowship provides you with an end-to-end view of the early stages of the innovation process. From clinical immersion and needs-finding through invention and implementation planning, you’ll gain hands-on practice navigating critical risks and opportunities across a broad range of activities. Third, the fellowship is interdisciplinary and team-based. You’ll learn a tremendous amount from interacting with your peers and honing your teamwork skills. Finally, the skills and connections you build are practical, targeted, and immediately applicable to a career in health technology innovation. At the end of the program, the fellows earn a certificate in Biodesign rather than a traditional diploma or degree.
How many Biodesign Fellowships are available?
The EAB 2025 cohort will recruit eight multidisciplinary fellows (four at UGHE and four at Kenyatta University) that include individuals with clinical, engineering, computer science, design, and/or business backgrounds.
When is the application deadline?
Application for the 2025 EAB fellowship is now open! The deadline to apply is Friday, August 2, 2024, 23:59 CAT/ Saturday, August 3, 2024, 00:59 EAT. Any application materials not received by the deadline will be considered incomplete and will not be considered.
Can I apply if I am not from an East African Country member state?
The program is open to applicants from all countries. However, priority will be given to East African Countries Member States applicants.
Am I responsible for acquiring the visa to join the program if I am not in Rwanda?
All selected applicants will be responsible for applying for and securing the necessary visa that will allow them to attend the in-person program in Rwanda or Kenya.
How many letters of recommendation must I have, when are they due, and what should they cover?
You do not need to submit reference letters in the application. But you are required to provide three reference names. The EAB team will contact your references directly.
What is the application fee?
East African Biodesign does not charge an application fee.
When are the interviews?
Shortlisted applicants for the 2025 fellowship will be invited for virtual interviews. We will coordinate with candidates in different time zones to create the most reasonable schedule possible.
When will the finalists be notified about acceptance decisions?
We will notify all finalists of our acceptance decisions by the end of October 2024.
When does the fellowship start?
The Fellowship begins in January 2025.
Is the fellowship a full-time commitment?
The EAB Fellowship is a 10-month intense full-time experience.
Do the Fellows receive compensation?
The Fellowship provides a modest stipend during the 10-month program.
Am I expected to start a company out of the EAB Fellowship?
Some fellows may start companies out of the fellowship, this is, however, just one of many different health technology career paths that our fellows take. Other alternatives include catalyzing innovation inside major health technology corporations, teaching and/or leading translational research projects for world-class universities, driving innovation initiatives within academic or private medical centers, or becoming specialists in design, investing, or other aspects of the health technology innovation ecosystem.
How can I learn more about the EAB Fellowship?
Detailed information about the EAB fellowship can be found here.
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Contact
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