Training in noncommunicable diseases epidemiological, data science and Implementation Science research to strengthen evidence-based interventions, policy and control in Uganda. - Project Summary This is a renewal application to support strengthening advanced training in epidemiological, data science and implementation science research training for NCDs in Uganda. Over the last 5 years we implemented a successful training program although the need for continued NCD research training still exists. The burden of NCDs and NCD risk factors continues to rise at a faster pace than existing NCD research, prevention, and control interventions. Although we have increased the number of existing NCDs researchers, the number we have added is insufficient to meet the existing demand and there is still a high unmet need. Moreover, new challenges have arisen, including the rise in affluence and sedentary lifestyles, life expectancy, prevalence of NCDs, the COVID-19 pandemic, post-COVID complications and their impact on the health and wellbeing of the population. Therefore, providing additional higher-level training to establish a critical mass of NCD researchers to catalyze locally appropriate NCD research, research training that informs NCD prevention, care and treatment interventions is still needed. We propose to continue our training program, with some adjustments informed by a comprehensive needs assessment and the new challenges identified. Our long-term goal is to consolidate a comprehensive mentored research training program in Uganda, through building local capacity to address the challenges of NCD control and management and promote the use of research findings to inform policy and program decision making. The objectives of this renewal application are: 1)To consolidate institutional capacity at MakCHS and collaborating institutions to conduct high quality NCD research by providing mentored NCDs graduate research training to research scientists, Junior faculty, and graduate students as a pathway to promoting leadership and independent research in the field of NCDs in Uganda, 2)To substantially increase the scientific leadership and expertise needed for independent NCD research in Uganda through high quality mentored post-doctoral training, and 3)To expand the current program to include capacity building for the application of data science and bioinformatics tools and methods to NCDs research in Uganda . We have assembled a strong team of program faculty from Uganda and the US who are already collaborating on several research projects in Uganda, and with extensive experience in research and higher-level training, to ensure high-quality supervision and mentoring of trainees. In the next five years, we will train candidates as follows: 1) five in 2-year post-doctoral programs; 2) five in 4- year PhD programs; 3) eight in 2- year master’s degree programs; and 4) several short courses relevant for conducting NCDs research. Trainees will take didactic courses, conduct mentored research projects, and acquire professional development skills through participation in regular work in progress meetings, journal clubs, scientific conferences and regular NCD mentorship engagements. The intended outcomes are 1) establishment of a critical mass of MakCHS faculty and Ugandan scientists trained high level NCD research; 2) increased NCDs research outputs (scientific manuscripts, Policy briefs, research, and program grants) at MakCHS and collaborating institutions; and 3) increased dissemination of generated evidence to inform the design and implementation of programs and policies to control and manage NCDs in Uganda.
