Adding to the challenges, Dr Kien made a bold decision to shift her research trajectory. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Changing my research focus made everything feel even more uncertain,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she explains. In 2024, she joined the MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA)<\/a>, which connected her with experienced mentors, including Dr Tineke Cantaert<\/a> from Pasteur Institute, Cambodia <\/a>and Prof Ooi Eng Eong<\/a> from Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore<\/a>.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The mentorship I received through MODRA was genuinely supportive and inspiring. It helped me reconnect with the scientific community and gave me clarity and confidence to move forward in my new research direction.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like many young scientists, Dr Kien faced the frustrating \u00e2\u20ac\u0153catch-22\u00e2\u20ac\u009d challenge: to secure research funding, she needed data; but to gather data, she needed funding. MODRA\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s seed award helped her break this cycle, enabling her to conduct preliminary research. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “MODRA\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s seed award was incredibly valuable,” Dr Kien explains. “It gave new researchers a rare yet essential opportunity to test their initial ideas and refine research plans. The experience significantly improved my grant-writing skills, directly contributing to my successful Wellcome Trust application.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n “To get research funding, you need data. But to collect data, you need funding. It felt like an impossible cycle.<\/em>“<\/p>Dr Duong Thi Hue Kien<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n With MODRA\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s support, Dr Kien recently secured a multi-million-pound Wellcome Trust Infectious Disease Award<\/a>. She now leads the Vietnam component of an ambitious international project, spanning nine countries in Africa and Asia. The project investigates how dengue and Zika viruses spread, how the body responds to infections, and the risks at a population level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “MODRA fundamentally changed how I communicate my research,” Dr Kien says. “I learned to clearly explain the real-world impact of my work beyond laboratory findings. Managing a large international project is challenging, but MODRA gave me the vision, leadership and management skills to succeed.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Kien\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s story highlights how MODRA provides young researchers the mentorship, funding, and training needed to transition into independent research careers.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n “MODRA goes beyond financial support, it gives you the practical skills needed to succeed,” Dr Kien emphasises. “You learn how to present your work, write strong funding proposals, manage budgets, and run research projects. MODRA also connects you with a valuable network of collaborators and professional contacts essential for future success.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n “During my PhD, my supervisors handled everything,” reflects Dr Kien. “Now, leading my own research feels like running a startup, I have to manage everything, from budgeting to coordinating logistics and supplies. MODRA filled those skill gaps and prepared me for independent leadership.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n The MORU\u00e2\u20ac\u201cOUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA)<\/a> is a fully funded 18-month programme designed to empower early-career postdoctoral scientists in Asia with the skills, mentorship, and funding needed to become independent researchers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Participants receive: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00e2\u20ac\u00a3 Hands-on workshops on grant writing, budgeting, research design and project management. This programme is a joint initiative by\u00c2\u00a0the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit\u00c2\u00a0(OUCRU)<\/a> and the\u00c2\u00a0Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit\u00c2\u00a0(MORU)<\/a>, both leading centres in global health research. MODRA is funded by\u00c2\u00a0Wellcome Trust<\/a> and affiliated with the\u00c2\u00a0Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health\u00c2\u00a0<\/a>at the\u00c2\u00a0University of Oxford,<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0ensuring world-class standards in training and mentorship.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.oucru.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/MOSC5-1-1024x698.jpg\")
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Leading a Major Research Project <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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About MODRA<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a3 Ongoing mentorship from regional and global research leaders.
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a3 Seed funding of up to $30,000 to launch preliminary research. <\/p>\n\n\n\n