On 22th March 2013, NCST presented grants totalling US$ 2.6 Million (MK 1.1 Billion) to 10 Individuals and 5 Institutions carrying out research in health. This was made possible through a Health Research Capacity Strengthening Initiative (HRCSI) a programme within NCST with funding from Wellcome Trust and Department for International Development (DfID UK).

The funds are to assist the grantees to pursue health research as well as further education in health related disciplines. The funding was available in the following schemes schemes: Institutional grants, MSc Fellowships, PhD Bursaries and Internships.