Global Research Academy for Clinical Toxicology (GRACT)

An academic training programme to develop and train the clinical toxicology researchers of the future.

The academy is a virtual centre for research. Early career researchers looking to advance their expertise are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be matched up with mentors from institutions collaborating in this project and others from around the world.

Our vision is to improve clinical care of patients with acute poisoning in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) by substantially expanding LMIC research capacity and creating a global focus for clinical toxicology research.

The academy offers flexibility, advice, and mentorship regardless of discipline or background.

Aim and Objectives

We aim to foster and deliver interdisciplinary research addressing unintentional poisoning and emergency care in LMIC.

  • Build research capacity in LMIC in clinical toxicology
  • Foster multidisciplinary collaboration in clinical medical sciences, social sciences, education and policy development
  • Develop robust programmes for ongoing professional development across different disciplines
  • Influence policy and evidence-based medicine 

Application Process

Application for entry into this virtual academy is open to all individuals with a passion for research in this field, regardless of their research background.

Those who are successful will be part of a cohort of future research leaders who will benefit from training, career mentoring, and support for further training, such as master’s programmes and PhDs in the field of LMIC poisoning. 

The training opportunities will be tailored to the career development needs of each member of the academy. Mentoring will be provided by the experienced international research programme team.

We will encourage esprit de corps, open interchange of ideas and academic visions between the members of this new academy to foster the collaborative research skills essential to tackle the challenges of poisoning in LMICs.

Early career researchers with interest in LMIC poisoning.

Candidates will either:

• Be a national and live in a LMIC 

• Work at an institution in a LMIC in an area related to acute poisoning

 • Be self-nominated with an interest in research on acute poisoning

 

The GRACT programme will end in December 2027; therefore, we are now only accepting applications for the Master's. For PhD students, we will only consider applicants who are already in the second year of their programme. Unfortunately, no first-year PhD applicants can be accepted.


The entry process for GRACT is a 3-step process: 

  1. First, applicants must submit an expression of interest to Dr Raul Pardinaz-Solis, the Centre Manager. Contact details are found at the end of this page.
  2. Upon revision of the expression of interest, applicants will be invited to submit a full submission .
  3. If successful, applicants will be invited for a panel interview with NIHR project faculty. 

Applicants should carefully note that the application process takes 1 month from the submission of an expression of interest to a possible acceptance into the GRACT programme. Please refer to the table below for more information on the specific deadlines for applicants’ submissions of interest to GRACTS' 3 annual rounds. 


Mentoring, Training in Clinical Research, MSc, PhD, Networking.


Opportunities

The Academy offers some initial opportunities through the institutions collaborating in this project worldwide. The table below illustrate some of the initial opportunities:

InstitutionProgrammesGradeDuration
University of EdinburghOnline MSc on Clinical TrialsMSc3 years
Universities in LMICPhDsPhD3 years

Funding

Funding for the Academy comes from the project's NIHR RIGHT4 grant.  The Academy will cover institution fees and some research costs for MScs and PhDs. The Academy will cover a limited number of registration fees for individuals from LMIC accepted on the training days at MENATOX and APAMT.

Individuals accepted in the academy research programmes will be expected to find additional funding to cover their travel cost, insurance and living expenses for the duration of their studies.

Other sources of funding will be considered (e.g. Commonwealth, Chevening), as well as the applicants own country scholarships.

Information for Candidates

Applications may be submitted throughout the year; however, submissions will be considered in one of the three rounds held each year.

Annual Rounds of GRACTSubmission deadline for applicant’s Expression of Interest:
1st Round31st January 2026
2nd RoundEnd of April 2026
3rd RoundEnd of Septemeber 2026

We are now welcoming applications for the first round of 2026, the deadline for application is now 28th of February 2026

Download our information sheet to find out more about eligibility and the application process. This document outlines expected candidate commitments, details the application process, and expands on the evaluation criteria used to assess applicants at the panel interview.

Contact

If you are interest in submitting an application, please get in touch first:

Dr Raul Pardinaz-Solis

Centre Manager

Contact details

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