Scholars in Global Women’s Health Research Program

Operating under the title Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women’s Health (LEA-WH), this program seeks to build capacity and leadership in women’s health research and innovation across Africa. It will leverage NAM’s membership and the extensive international network of the National Academies to attract African mid-career women’s health researchers with high potential to advance into expanded leadership roles and to shape and lead impactful women’s health research and innovation efforts. The Scholars selected for the program will be provided with training delivered by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the host institution for the program, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities facilitated by NAM, to help them achieve this goal.

The program’s goals include facilitating professional development for women’s health research leaders across Africa; increasing the visibility of their work on the international stage; sharpening their skillsets to develop successful research grant proposals and lead successful research projects and programs; and equipping them with an enduring network of mentors and peers in their field. Success will be measured by tracking the Scholars’ research outputs and career advancement, including grant proposals submitted and funded; publications; promotions and appointments to government and other committees; expanded professional networks; mentorship of junior colleagues; and practical program outputs such as successful grant applications and the development, patenting, and/or commercialization of research-driven products and innovations.