MODRA Cohort 1: Where they are now and what comes next?Â
Eighteen months after joining MODRA, our first fellows are leading projects, winning grants, and building new collaborations across the region.
From MODRA to Wellcome Sanger Fellowship: Dr Le Thanh Hoang Nhat reflects on Growth and ConnectionÂ
Dr Nhat, a MODRA alumnus, has been awarded the Wellcome Sanger Fellowship. Reflecting on his journey, he highlights how mentorship, regional collaboration and focused training through MODRA helped shape a competitive research proposal and strengthen his direction as an independent researcher.
First MODRA cohort graduates
The first cohort of the MORU–OUCRU Discovery Research Academy, MODRA, has officially graduated following a final four-day workshop held in December 2025 in Sanur, Bali. The workshop marked the conclusion of the programme’s inaugural 18-month cycle and brought together 15 early to mid-career researchers from across South and Southeast Asia to present their research, reflect […]
MODRA Cohort 2: From ideas to actionÂ
Following the success of the first MODRA workshop in September, where participants developed strong research grant proposals, the MODRA Cohort 2 researchers reconvened at OUCRU Ho Chi Minh City for Workshop 2, focused on taking their projects from paper to practice.
MODRA Cohort 2 begins: Empowering the next generation of leaders in global health
Fifteen emerging scientists from South and Southeast Asia begin an 18-month journey with MODRA. Together, they are gaining the skills to lead research that makes a difference in global health.
15 emerging Asian global health researchers selected to join MODRA
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) announces its 2025 cohort of emerging researchers in global health and infectious diseases.
Building better vaccines: Dr Thitinan Kitisin explores tonsil organoids models in ThailandÂ
Years of groundwork have led Assistant Professor Dr Thitinan Kitisin to his first major step: leading an advanced vaccine research project in Thailand. With support from MODRA, he’s now developing one of the first tonsil organoid models in the country, a small but important step toward improving how vaccines are tested. Along the way, he’s also passing on practical research skills to the next generation of Thai scientists.
Dr Sulochana Manandhar: Tackling newborn infection risks in NepalÂ
At OUCRU Nepal, microbiologist Sulochana Manandhar spent much of her early career at the lab bench, examining bacteria, fine-tuning methods, and chasing answers to scientific questions. Now, with support from the MODRA programme, she’s leading her first hospital-based study, bringing new attention to neonatal health risks in Nepal.
Dr Duong Thi Hue Kien: From post-PhD uncertainty to leading international researchÂ
Finding My Path After PhD “After finishing my PhD, I felt isolated and uncertain about the future,” recalls Dr Kien. For four years, her research was focused entirely on understanding how the Dengue virus evolves inside mosquitoes. “When that chapter ended, stepping into the broader scientific community felt overwhelming.†Adding to the challenges, Dr Kien […]
MODRA Workshop 2: Putting research ideas into action Â
The MORU-OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) Workshop 2 was recently held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
MODRA Workshop 1: Empowering early-career scientists to secure competitive research grantsÂ
The MORU-OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) recently concluded its inaugural workshop in Bangkok. This intensive five-day programme equipped 15 promising postdoctoral researchers with the skills required to complete a high-quality seed proposal.
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy Announces its First CohortÂ
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) is thrilled to announce the selection of its first cohort of the programme.