Call for Expressions of Interest
The Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO), in collaboration with Stanford University, invites applications for the Mentorship and Research Individualized Training (MERIT) Program 2026.
Program Overview
This program is designed for computational biology, genetics, and bioinformatics trainees in East Africa who are currently working on a research project that includes the analysis of genetic, biological, or clinical data and would benefit from working one-on-one with a research mentor with the relevant expertise.
As a part of the MERIT program, trainees will apply with a specific research goal or analysis in mind (e.g., “I want to process my RNA-seq data and perform differential expression analysis” or “I want to perform population genetics analyses on publicly available genomes from Africa”). Then, we will match trainees with a mentor who has relevant experience with that research or data analyses.
Selected participants will engage in an eight-week virtual mentorship program, with:
– Weekly one-on-one meetings with assigned mentors
– A minimum commitment of 10 hours per week dedicated to research activities
– Participation in a final virtual research symposium to present their work
– All program activities will be conducted online.
Eligibility Criteria
The program is intended for trainees in:
– Computational Biology
– Genetics
– Bioinformatics
Applicants must:
– Be based in East Africa
– Be actively working on a research project involving genetic, biological, or clinical data
– Demonstrate a need for mentorship to advance their research
Program Duration
The MERIT Program will run from May to July 2026.
Program Cost
Participation in the program is free of charge. However, due to limited capacity, the selection process will be highly competitive.
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to submit an expression of interest by:
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM (EAT)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application in early April 2026.
Dissemination
Applicants and partners are encouraged to share this opportunity widely with relevant networks, including academic institutions, research laboratories, and professional organizations across East Africa.
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