Scaling Up advanced genomics and bioinformatics Research traininG in pEdiatric HIV/AIDS in Uganda - SURGE - Project Summary Africa bears the highest burden of HIV globally yet remains underrepresented in genomics research. Addressing this disparity is crucial to ensure inclusive and effective interventions. With its rich genetic diversity, research on the continent can offer valuable insights into HIV pathogenesis and treatment response. By enhancing genomics and bioinformatics research capacity and involving African populations, we can advance our understanding of HIV and improve health outcomes in Africa. Our H3Africa funding (CAfGEN, U54AI110398 and BRecA, U2RTW010672) was instrumental in establishing genomics and bioinformatics research and training in Uganda. We established Masters and PhD degree programs at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) and six Ugandan doctoral and 10 master’s trainees have completed their training. Projects led by our trainees have opened new areas of research, principal investigators, and NIH funding (e.g., U01HG114479 and U01HG013442). Despite this progress, there remain substantial opportunities to further increase (“surge”) the number of trained and skilled genomics and bioinformatics professionals in Uganda. We propose to build on the previous NIH funding (resources, personnel, and training programs) to scale up the capacity in genomics and bioinformatics especially as applied to the area of pediatric HIV research in Uganda. The SURGE training program builds on a well-established collaboration between the Program Directors at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and MakCHS, forged through a decade of NIH-funded collaboration. The program goals are: 1) Increase the pool of highly trained and skilled independent genomics and bioinformatics scientists to conduct research in pediatric HIV. We shall support the training of 5 doctoral and 20 masters students who will conduct mentored pediatric HIV research. The trainees will leverage the substantial investments by the H3Africa Initiative including the Baylor Uganda pediatrics cohort from which genomics data was generated and biospecimens (DNA, serum, plasma) archived under CAfGEN funding. 2) Provide multilevel short-term experiential training in advanced genomics and bioinformatics methodologies, responsible (ethical) conduct of research, manuscript writing, and developing competitive grant proposals for funding to post-baccalaureates, graduate students, and clinical scientists. Short courses will also include crosscutting themes/training in research skills, research design and methodology, data management and analysis, scientific presentations, as well as research administration. Furthermore, this application has an integral plan for mentorship and transitioning of the program leadership from BCM to MakCHS as the direct recipient of future awards, including a transition from the BCM PI as the lead applicant to an early career scientist at MakCHS over the course of the program. This comprehensive approach will equip and provide the necessary foundation for the next generation of genomics and bioinformatics scientists in Uganda to understand the genomic contribution to HIV and its associated co- morbidities.
