1. Purpose

The Orapuh Fellowship Programme (OFP) aims to support advanced education, research, and professional development in oral and public health, fostering innovation and leadership in these fields.

2. Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Possess a relevant degree or equivalent and experience in oral or public health.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to improving oral and public health.
  • Provide research statement  and a curriculum vitae.

3. Application Process

  • Submission: Applications must be submitted through the official OFP portal.
  • Documentation: Required documents include a CV, academic transcripts, and a research statement.
  • Deadline: Applications must be received by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

4. Selection Criteria

  • Academic and professional qualifications.
  • Quality and feasibility of the research focus.
  • Potential impact on oral and public health.
  • Selection tests

5. Fellowship Terms

  • Duration: Fellowships are typically awarded for a period of 1 year.
  • Funding: No funding is available. Fellows must self-fund their research and related costs. However, they will have access to Orapuh resources.
  • Responsibilities: Fellows are expected to conduct research, review books, receive lectures and be assessed in them, participate in Orapuh activities, make series of academic and clinical presentations, and publish research findings in the journals of the organisation.

6. Mentorship and Support

  • Each fellow is assigned a mentor from Orapuh’s faculty.
  • Regular meetings with the mentor for guidance and feedback.
  • Access to symposia, clinical meetings, workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities.
  • Scholars Coordination: Orapuh College of Scholars (OCS) will coordinate all candidates in day-to-day participation in learning and interactive activities of the OFP and accepted candidates may use the post-nominal acronym, MOCS, after their name.

7. Reporting and Evaluation

  • Progress Reports: Fellows must submit quarterly progress reports detailing their research activities, findings, and any challenges encountered.
  • Final Report: A comprehensive report at the end of the fellowship summarising research outcomes and future directions.
  • Evaluation: Performance evaluations based on attendance, assessments, progress reports, publications, presentations, and contributions to Orapuh initiatives.

8. Code of Conduct

  • Fellows must adhere to Orapuh’s ethical guidelines and professional conduct standards.
  • Any misconduct may result in termination of the fellowship.

9. Termination Policy

  • The fellowship may be terminated for failure to meet academic standards, ethical violations, or non-compliance with fellowship terms.
  • Fellows will receive written notice and have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

10. Post-Fellowship

  • Alumni Network: Fellows become perpetual members of the Orapuh College of Scholars (OCS) and may use FOCS after their name. The College provides ongoing collaboration and support among other benefits.
  • Continued Engagement: Opportunities to participate in future Orapuh projects and events.

11. Professional Development

  • Workshops and Training: Regularly scheduled workshops on advanced topics in oral and public health.
  • Conference Attendance: Support to attend Orapuh conferences and events and present research findings.
  • Publication Support: Assistance with publishing research in Orapuh journals (subsidised APC).

12. Health and Safety

  • Well-being Support: Access to lectures that provide health counselling, stress reduction strategies, and mental health support services.

13. Certification

  • Certificates: Fellowship certificates (PG Certificate and FOCS Certificate) will reflect each candidate’s focus area and will be issued at the end of the programme to successful candidates, alongside a PG Fellowship Transcript, for a fee.

This comprehensive policy ensures that the Orapuh Fellowship Programme supports the development of skilled professionals and researchers, fostering innovation and improving health outcomes in underserved communities.