Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

CARTA aims to train and retain a critical mass of networked African researchers with complementary research skills, able to work in multidisciplinary research environments. CARTA will: 1. Locally produce quality researchers and scholars in population and public health through a regional, collaborative doctoral training programme that will: a. Run annual joint advanced seminars (JAS) to equip doctoral students with strong conceptual, technical, analytical, writing and professional skills; b. Create a culture of research among student cohorts by facilitating contact among them and between them and global experts; increasing their exposure to current debates and literature in the field; and supporting their participation in scientific meetings to enhance networking and decrease professional isolation; and c. Consolidate research skills through post-doctoral fellowships and/or re-entry research grants. 2. Support the capacity of African universities to conduct and lead high-quality research through: a. Short courses in supervision, grant-writing, and research management; b. Mentoring of faculty and other university staff by way of their participation in JAS curriculum development workshops and co-facilitating the JAS; c. Building physical research infrastructure; d. Facilitating the development of coherent and policy-relevant research agendas; and e. Ensuring that doctoral students contribute to their institutions by running seminars following each JAS.