The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA), funded by Wellcome, is a collaborative initiative by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Madihol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries of South Asia.

In this inaugural year, MODRA received a tremendous response from early to mid-career postdoctoral researchers. Following a thorough selection process, 15 distinguished individuals have been selected to form the first cohort. These researchers share a keen interest in global health and infectious disease research and a commitment to address pressing health concerns in the region.

The MODRA first cohort encompasses participants from many LMICs in South Asia with a wide range of research interests. The nearly equal gender balance contributes to the promotion of gender equity and inclusivity in academic health research. We believe this diverse group of researchers will bring together many perspectives and expertise, fostering a vibrant and inclusive research community across the region.

Meet the First MODRA Cohort

1. Dr Chawarat Rotejanaprasert, MORU, Thailand
2. Dr Duong Thi Hue Kien, OUCRU, Vietnam
3. Dr Kartika Saraswati, National University of Singapore, Singapore
4. Dr Henry Surendra, OUCRU, Indonesia
5. Dr Inke Nadia Diniyanti Lubis, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
6. Dr Le Thanh Hoang Nhat, OUCRU, Vietnam
7. Dr Pham Tran Vinh Phu, The University of Danang, Vietnam
8. Dr Pyae Linn Aung, Mahidol University, Thailand
9. Dr Sabina Dongol, OUCRU, Nepal
10. Dr Sukanta Chowdhury, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
11. Dr Sulochana Manandhar, OUCRU, Nepal
12. Dr Thanaporn Wattanakul, MORU, Thailand
13. Dr Thitinan Kitisin, Mahidol University, Thailand
14. Dr Vu Thi Ngoc Bich, OUCRU, Vietnam
15. Dr Weerawat Phuklia, LOMWRU, Laos

“In the next 10 years, I aspire to become a leading voice in tropical medicine research, contributing to improved health outcomes in resource-limited settings. Joining MODRA is a steppingstone that empowers me to secure independent funding for addressing crucial health challenges in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia.”

Dr Kartika Saraswati
MODRA Fellow, Cohort I

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The selected cohort will embark on an 18-month journey filled with opportunities for growth and collaboration. The fellows will receive high-quality, in-person training, mentorship from senior scientists; and workshops on grant writing, project management, and financial planning. One of the key aims of MODRA is to enable researchers to obtain competitive international grant funding.

“Firstly, I would like to congratulate our inaugural MODRA cohort and thank Wellcome for funding this new project, about which we are incredibly passionate. We look forward to supporting our MODRA cohort through an exciting programme of training and mentorship, and to seeing these future research leaders’ network, collaborate, and grow together.”

Dr Leigh Jones
Regional Academic Training Leader at OUCRU & MORU

The announcement of MODRA’s first cohort marks an important milestone in the programme journey. With a focus on empowering researchers, elevating discovery research, and fostering collaborations, MODRA is set to transform the landscape of health research in South Asia.

For more information about MODRA and future opportunities, visit: www.modracademy.org