Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Knowledge Action Change (KAC) and the Global Forum on Nicotine are pleased to announce
the launch of the inaugural 2018 Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme.

The scholarships are intended to
  • build research capacity in the field of tobacco harm reduction
  • develop the evidence base
  • raise awareness of research and its implications for public health policy
  • enable consumers to make more informed personal health choices
  • improve the implementation and understanding of tobacco harm reduction
We are seeking proposals that will make a difference!
We want people to learn from GFN and have the opportunity to implement the learning in their home countries. There will be 15 scholarships for the year, with funds available to support agreed projects up to the value of $7500. The scholarships will commence at the GFN Conference in Warsaw, Poland on 13th June 2018.
In addition to the funds available
scholars can expect:
  • travel to and from the Global Forum on Nicotine Conference (GFN) at the Marriot Hotel
  • accommodation for the duration of the conference (also at the Marriot Hotel)
  • a bespoke programme for scholars at the conference which will include an additional day before the main conference (Wednesday 13th June 2018), and a “wrap up” session at the end of the Conference (Sunday Morning 17th June 2018).
  • mentoring and support throughout the programme from experts in the field.
  • email, telephone and Skype support.
Availability & reporting
  • Scholars must be available in Warsaw, Poland, for the period 13th – 17th June 2018.
  • All scholars will be expected to provide a 6-month progress report and a project summary at 11 months.
  • Some scholars may be invited back to GFN 2019 to share learning and experience.

Bespoke Programme

Wednesday Session

13 June 2018

will provide an orientation for scholars, including:
  • an opportunity to meet other scholars engaged on the programme
  • an induction into the science of tobacco harm reduction
  • presentations from some of the leading scientists in the field
  • an opportunity to meet potential scholarship mentors
  • a question and answer session
Sunday Session

17 June 2018

will include:
  • a question and answer session
  • an opportunity to refine your proposal
  • an opportunity to create learning set across various projects
  • clarification of expectations (and support available) for the duration of the scholarship
Indicative examples of the sort of projects that the scheme will fund might include:
  • design and initiate an intervention project to enhance public and/or professional understanding of tobacco harm reduction and related projects
  • design and develop an organization to take forward research on the understanding of tobacco harm reduction
  • improve the applicant’s understanding of science and science skills by links with, or placement within, a research team
  • design and initiate a tobacco harm reduction intervention project within a health and social care setting
  • organize a workshop on tobacco harm reduction
  • design a research project on the nature or use of harm reduction products
  • scope research on tobacco harm reduction priorities in a country
  • link with (or make visits to) an organization advancing the understanding of tobacco harm reduction
  • develop science communication skills
  • write a research paper or other material for publication
  • establish a website or other social media resource to improve the understanding of tobacco harm reduction
  • examine how poorer countries might overcome problems presented by “high tech” tobacco harm reduction initiatives.
If you have an idea and are unsure how to progress it, or whether it will satisfy the criteria please contact scholarships@gfn.net.co.

The scholarship programme, supported by grant funding from the Foundation for a Smoke Free World (FSFW), will prioritise applications from lower and middle income countries.

Context of the scholarships

Recent years have seen advances in the scientific understanding of products used for tobacco harm reduction, including laboratory based and clinical studies of their effects and safety, behavioural studies of how and why they are used in different populations and contexts, epidemiological studies into patterns of use, and the relationship between the use of these products and changes in tobacco smoking. There is an increasing understanding of the range of appropriate and effective evidence based regulation and standards for harm reduction products, and of harm reduction strategies and policies.

However, on a global basis scientific capacity for research on tobacco harm reduction and related products is not evenly distributed, and there is considerable variation in the use of evidence to establish effective and appropriate Public Health policies.

In addition, despite there being strong evidence for the effectiveness of a tobacco harm reduction approach, public understanding of the evidence base and its implications for both policy and personal health choices is limited.

This scholarship programme aims to redress this imbalance. We expect proposals to be modest but achievable: they will be assessed for their potential significance in advancing the field.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applications from all potential scholars with an interest in tobacco harm reduction. This may include:

  • People intending to enter the field of research into tobacco harm reduction and/or public health
  • Students
  • Researchers and scientists
  • Medical professionals
  • Writers
  • Internet and social media professionals.
Apply now!
Application & Assessment

A selection panel will assess applications and advise on support requirements for each project.

It is likely that in the first instance we will prioritise low and middle income countries, and those countries where national developments have potential to impact regional and global debates and developments.

An online application pack can be found by following the link below. Please complete the online form. Should you wish to add supporting information, please submit these, or provide links to them, in the appropriate section of the online application form.

Apply now!
Deadline for submission: 16th March 2018
Applications must be submitted using the submission form above by 16th March 2018. All sections of the application form need to be completed and submitted, including with a summary of your project proposal. The application should include an outline of the proposal (including aims and objectives), working methods, anticipated outcomes and an indication of costs. Supporting documents may be included if required.

Successful applicants will be notified by 30th March 2018.