# Training of Ugandans in Basic and Translational Research on TB and Emerging Infectious Diseases

> **NIH NIH D43** · RBHS-NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2021 · $294,442

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The research infrastructure in Uganda has expanded considerably in the last decade and Makerere
University (MU) in Kampala has become one of the principal academic institutions worldwide for collaborative
research on TB and emerging infectious diseases. Currently NIH, CDC, Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust,
British Medical Research Council and the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership provide
substantial support for TB and other infectious diseases research in Uganda, including evaluation of new
diagnostics; drug treatment regimens; and vaccines and translational studies of pathogenesis and correlates of
immunity. As such, most of the training is in clinical epidemiology and study design and none specifically
targets the gap in laboratory-based research scientists that will become faculty members, competitive for
extramurally funded research programs. Because of identified gaps in training in basic and translational
research on TB and emerging infectious diseases, Boston Medical Center (BMC)/Boston University School of
Medicine (BUSM) sought out and secured funding from the Fogarty International Center to fund capacity
building in this area. During this period, three Ugandan scientists received training under the program and are
currently pursuing further graduate studies. The program established collaborative links and solidified a joint
commitment to co-mentorship of Uganda trainees by BMC/BUSM and MU. Short courses funded under this
program have become essential to the training regimen of masters and PhD students and have provided a
conduit for discussion with faculty and further recruitment. Despite these strides, there is still a pressing need
to continue to expand training opportunities in basic and translational research. For this renewal application,
we will make two significant changes. First, we will target medical school graduates who intend to enroll in a
PhD program at MU; trainees will be recruited to one or two areas designated as critical for development by
the MU faculty and the Program Directors and Scientific Directors. Second, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical
School (NJMS) has been added as a second site of training. Its addition will provide expertise molecular
mechanisms of drug resistance and basic and translational immunology. Above all, our main objective of the
program will be to provide trainees with a strong background in basic research skills and knowledge through
rigorous targeted coursework coupled with intensive laboratory training in a particular research area. Our
training program is tailored to address the current and future TB and emerging infectious disease research
needs of MU as well as Uganda as a whole.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10222809
- **Project number:** 5D43TW009093-08
- **Recipient organization:** RBHS-NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Jerrold J. Ellner
- **Activity code:** D43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $294,442
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-03-12 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10222809

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10222809, Training of Ugandans in Basic and Translational Research on TB and Emerging Infectious Diseases (5D43TW009093-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10222809. Licensed CC0.

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