LSHTM short course: Essentials of Clinical Trials ( The Gambia)

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit in The Gambia at LSHTM invites applications for the course titled “Essentials of Clinical Trials”. This course gives attendees a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of Randomised Clinical Trials (RCTs).

Live lectures and practical sessions will cover the key issues in design, conduct, analysis and reporting, with a focus on major clinical trials that directly influence clinical practice. Topics are addressed with perspectives from both public sector research and the pharmaceutical industry.

Date: 24 March– 1 April 2026

Place: In person at MRC Unit in The Gambia at LSHTM.

Eligibility:

• The course is relevant to anyone who’d like to get an understanding of the rigorous evaluation of interventions in health care, including clinical research professionals, research managers, statisticians and other scientists with an interest in clinical trials.

Course fee:

• £1,885.00 – full fee
• The fee includes all teaching and practical materials (in electronic and paper format if needed), temporary Stata license, use of computer equipment, vouchers for daily lunch and refreshments, welcome and farewell social outings to explore a bit of The Gambia (aka “The Smiling Coast”). Childcare is available upon request.
• Fee excludes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, flights, visa, and local transport.

Scholarship:

• A limited number scholarships for this course. Eligibility criteria 
  • Applicants must be resident in, and a national of, a LMIC (eligible countries). Preference will be given to candidates based in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Applicants should hold an MSc, MBBS or equivalent degree and at least 1-year work experience.
  • Applicants will need to demonstrate what impact the course will have on their current and future career path.
  • Applicants who have an alternative source of funding will not be considered for a scholarship but their application will be fast-tracked.
• Scholarship includes:
  • Tuition fees.
  • Accommodation (unless an applicant is based in The Gambia). Accommodation will be booked by the course.
  • Breakfast, lunch and refreshments from Monday to Friday.
  • A modest stipend to cover evening meals and meals at weekends.
  • International flight costs (up to a pre-agreed limit) are covered by the scholarship. Participants are expected to book and pay for their own flight. The cost of the international ticket up to the agreed limit will be reimbursed upon arrival in The Gambia on presentation of a receipt.
  • Travel and Health Insurance.

Read more here.

Application deadline, 16th of February 2026 at 09:00 (UK time).