CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: MSc RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

ECO-INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVED NUTRITION, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF AGRO- ECOLOGICAL FOOD PRODUCTS IN AFRICA (INNOECOFOOD)

A. BACKGROUND

The Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences (ZEFS), was awarded a contract under the European Union-funded project: Eco-Innovative Technologies for Improved Nutrition, Sustainable Production and Marketing of Agro- ecological Food Products in Africa (INNOECOFOOD). ZEFS is implementing INNOECOFOOD in collaboration with the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology.

The overall goal of INNOECOFOOD is to promote sustainable production, processing, marketing and consumption of nutritious aquaculture fish, Spirulina, and selected insect value chains through innovative, climate-smart technologies. Among other outputs, the project will train rural farmers, youth and women to innovatively produce and process the fish, fish feeds and develop nutritious-rich products. The project is offering research support to three continuing MSc candidate to work on formulation and evaluation of novel nutritious-rich products from fish byproducts, Spirulina and selected insect species. The formulated products will be based on selected carbohydrates and protein ingredients and made in the form of soup, porridge and energy bars. Please note that additional aspects of the research areas will be availed to the successful applicants.

B. RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Applications are invited from continuing students of MSc in Biochemistry to conduct research in the area indicated above. The Fellowship will support the successful candidates with research costs and modest stipend for a period of about six months.

C. ELIGIBILITY

1. Applicants MUST be duly registered for the Academic year 2024/25 for the afore-mentioned MSc. programme.
2. Females and candidates with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
3. Applicants must provide evidence of successful progress in their coursework and exams.

D. APPLICATION PROCESS

The application package should include:

1. One-page motivation letter.
2.  2-3-page Concept Note on the research topic of interest.
3. Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages).
4.  Copies of academic documents.
5. Evidence of registration for the MSc. in Biochemistry programme.
6. Recommendation letters from two academic referees.

E. SUBMISSION

Applications should be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted electronically to the Head of Department, – Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Dr. G. Kawooya Kubiriza (godfrey.kubiriza@mak.ac.ug), copied to the Head of Department Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Dr. Agnes Nandutu Masawi (agnes.nandutu@mak.ac.ug) and Project Administrator, Ms. Catherine Nanyonga (ngenevive@gmail.com) by the deadline of 25 April, 2025, 5:00pm.