# Research training in infection, nutrition and neurodevelopment in Uganda

> **NIH NIH D43** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2021 · $276,603

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Infectious diseases are the most common cause of illness in children in low-income countries. Children who
survive infectious diseases often suffer long-term neurodevelopmental morbidity. Nutrition, and in particular
micronutrient deficiency, also frequently interact with infection to alter neurodevelopment. However, accurate
estimates of infection-related neurocognitive morbidity are largely unavailable, and the pathogenesis of this
morbidity remains poorly characterized. In this renewal application, a partnership between Makerere
University, Uganda and Indiana University, we focus on training in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of
infection-related neurocognitive impairment, a neglected training area in infectious disease, and include
training in assessment of the interactions of micronutrient deficiency and infection. Innovative aspects of this
proposal include: the emphasis on infection-related long-term morbidity, a diverse mix of trainees from multiple
disciplines, required integrated core training for all degree and post-doctoral trainees, development on a post-
doctoral “pipeline” for faculty positions, and training in research administration. The goal of this application is to
establish a core of Ugandan researchers who advance the understanding, prevention and treatment of long-
term neurocognitive disability associated with infectious diseases and micronutrient deficiency. We propose to
accomplish this goal through long- and short-term training for trainees in neuropsychology, immunology and
epidemiology, including nutrition epidemiology; training in research administration; and development of lab and
data center infrastructure. Long-term training includes training of 3 PhD students (in epidemiology, immunology
and neuropsychology) and 3 post-doctoral fellows (in infectious disease epidemiology, nutrition epidemiology,
and neuropsychology). All research studies will include a component related to neurodevelopment. Short-term
training will include workshop and short-course and hands-on training in lab, clinical and neuropsychology
assessment, testing and techniques. Lab capacity will be expanded through new equipment for molecular
biology studies, technician training in immunology testing, and lab technologist leadership training. Data center
capacity will be expanded through improved internet access and individualized database development training
for two senior data managers. Research administration capacity will be developed through Masters training of
2 research managers in management studies and business administration. The proposed training will produce
a team of research and public health leaders and administrators who are well equipped to work together to
understand, prevent and treat infection-related neurocognitive impairment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10117049
- **Project number:** 5D43TW010928-09
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Richard Iwa Idro
- **Activity code:** D43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $276,603
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-04-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10117049

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10117049, Research training in infection, nutrition and neurodevelopment in Uganda (5D43TW010928-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10117049. Licensed CC0.

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