Summer School Programme

UNZA 2026 Summer School:

Research Capacity Building and Scientific Career Development

7–11 December 2026 | Lusaka, Zambia | Hybrid format

About the Summer School

From 7 to 11 December 2026, the University of Zambia (UNZA) will host a Summer School in Lusaka dedicated to research capacity building and scientific career development.

Organised as part of the IRD JEAI SPADE-KZ in collaboration with IPORA, the Summer School will provide participants with practical training and opportunities for exchange around key skills needed to develop a scientific career, prepare competitive research proposals and strengthen research collaborations.

Participation is free of charge. The event will be organised in a hybrid format, combining in-person workshops at UNZA in Lusaka with online sessions.

Objectives

The overall objective is to strengthen the capacities of early- and mid-career scientists, as well as public and global health professionals, in areas that are essential to developing and sustaining a research career.

The Summer School will focus in particular on:

• Writing competitive research grant applications;
• Developing and writing scientific manuscripts;
• Strengthening collaborative research skills;
• Professional networking and the development of research partnerships.

In the longer term, the initiative aims to help participants improve their ability to secure research funding, publish scientific work and build sustainable research partnerships.

Who is the Summer School for?

The Summer School is open to:

• PhD students;
• Postdoctoral researchers;
• Global health professionals.

Participation options

In-person workshops in Lusaka
The in-person component will be held at the University of Zambia in Lusaka. Places are limited to 20 participants and will be allocated through an application process.
Application deadline: 20 th October 2026.

Online sessions
Online sessions will be open to a wider audience. Participation is free, but prior registration is required.
Application deadline: 20 th October, 2026.

Programme

The programme will combine practical training, discussion and exchange around research and scientific
career development. Core themes will include manuscript writing and grant writing, alongside
collaborative research, networking and partnership development.

How to apply or register

Candidates interested in attending the in-person workshops, and participants wishing to join the online sessions, are invited to complete the online registration/application form.

REGISTRATION

At a glance

Organisations

The UNZA 2026 Summer School is organised as part of the IRD JEAI SPADE-KZ, in collaboration with IPORA.

Short description of:
- UNZA
- IRD JEAI SPADE-KZ

Contact

For further information: WhatsApp line +260979841705: Email: mayaba.mwiinde@unza.ac.zm