COllaborative research, implementation, And LEadership training to addresS chronic Conditions across the lifecoursE (COALESCE) - PROGRAM SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
Chronic cardio-metabolic (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) and neuropsychiatric conditions (cognitive and
mental health disorders) are rapidly growing public health problems in low- and middle-income countries
(LMIC). LMICs such as India and Ethiopia are experiencing rising chronic diseases while still contending with
residual burdens of under-nutrition and environmental pollution. Responses to chronic conditions in LMICs are
constrained by limited research capacity. We propose to address shortages in research and implementation
capacity for chronic conditions in India and Ethiopia. Teams from Emory University (Ali, Program Director
[PD]), the Center for Chronic Disease Control, India (Prabhakaran, co-PD), and Addis Ababa University,
Ethiopia (Mariam, co-PD) co-designed the “COllaborative Research, Implementation, And LEadership Training
to AddresS Chronic Conditions across the Life CoursE” (COALESCE) program. We draw from two previous
successful training programs and added key innovations. To progress towards sustainable in-country research
training, we will provide mentor training to 12 mid-stage researchers to develop in-country capacity for more
effective mentoring of young researchers. Moreover, prior D43 program alumni will be participants of the
mentor training and serve as research mentors for COALESCE trainees. This approach capitalizes on previous
investments and provides career advancement and support for previous trainees in new mentor roles. We will
then recruit and train four cohorts of six post-doctoral trainees (three each from India and Ethiopia) annually
(total n=24) in an 18-month fellowship. The fellowship includes two months at Emory University to complete
coursework, engage in US research culture, and develop project concepts; over the next 16 months, trainees
will complete projects in their home country with guidance from in-country and US mentors. We will promote an
integrated perspective of chronic conditions across the life course, and connect trainees with resources (e.g.,
cohort studies, affiliated centers) with wide-ranging content and methodological expertise. To strengthen our
partner LMIC institutions from within, we will deliver our successful annual short-course on implementation
science and leadership that can cultivate organizational management skills. To accelerate translation and
implementation of evidence into practice, we will open the implementation science and leadership course to
public health, government, and clinical practitioners (n=80) that are on the frontline of prevention and control
program and policy implementation. Jointly engaging researchers and practitioners will directly connect these
usually siloed stakeholders and promote collaboration. We will leverage Emory University's longstanding
partnerships in India and Ethiopia and open opportunities for South-South collaboration. The COALESCE
program is designed to promote high in-country retention of trainees by providing stipends, local mentorship,
embedding trainee projects in existing platforms, and motivating a culture of productivity. The program aspires
to facilitate locally-driven research to shape chronic disease priorities, practices, programs, and policies.
