The EDCTP-TESA III: TAGENDI II Coordinators’ and Fellows Meeting is scheduled to take place on 3rd – 4th April 2025 at Pandhari Lodge, Harare, Zimbabwe. This crucial gathering will bring together project coordinators, fellows, and key partners to review progress, address challenges, and refine strategies for the next phase of the initiative.
The TAGENDI Project, launched in August 2021, is a four-year initiative designed to enhance PhD training capacity while promoting gender equity in research. Coordinated by the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) with support from the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Zambia and the Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM) in Mozambique, the project operates under the broader TESA III consortium.
Since its inception, the TAGENDI Project has made notable progress:
- Eight PhD fellows were recruited, with seven actively enrolled across institutions in Africa and Spain.
- Additional funding was secured to support more postgraduate students.
- Efforts to enhance access and retention of female PhD candidates have been prioritized, fostering a more inclusive research environment.
The upcoming meeting will serve as a platform to:
- Reflect on the progress and challenges encountered during TAGENDI I.
- Establish improved frameworks for the implementation of TAGENDI II.
- Facilitate interactive discussions with fellows to strengthen mentorship, funding practices, and overall project coordination.
By promoting gender balance, improving mentorship systems, and enhancing project management practices, this initiative aims to drive impactful research outcomes across Southern Africa.
