Support for Vector Biology Training for Sustainable Control of Vector Borne diseases in East Africa

Vector-borne and neglected tropical diseases (VBDs and NTDs, respectively) are endemic and emerging threats in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). In this renewal application, scientists from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Biotechnology Research Institute (BioRI-KALRO), and Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) will partner with Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Gulu University (GU) and Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases Institute (VVBDI) and their peers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania with support of the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) to strengthen Vector Biology (VB) education and research capacity in order to advance vector control applications and reduce disease burden in East Africa. Our specific objectives are to: Aim 1) Empower early-career researchers in East Africa. Our training will target early-career scientists, including post-doctoral scholars and junior level faculty. We will transfer knowledge necessary to advance the state-of-the-art laboratory and field research skills, mathematical modeling and data management within broad fields of vector physiology, ecology, population genetics/genomics and epidemiology. We will establish regional network(s) of early-career researchers in LMIC institutions to support the next-generation of researchers and field practitioners and policy makers. Our program will prepare trainees with necessary skills to establish independent research programs, and to advise on sustainable and evidence-based strategies for in-country VC and disease elimination programs, and promote public discussions and consultations to advance downstream delivery capacity of innovative and integrated human, animal and environmental health VC technologies. Aim 2) Develop leadership and institutional capacity to disseminate knowledge on innovative VC applications. We will offer in-person and/or virtual training and mentorship opportunities in bioethics, proficient clinical and laboratory practices, vector management and biosafety to early-career scientists from LMIC institutions. We will also train faculties in manuscript preparation, grantsmanship, and editorial capabilities and administrators in best-practices for the management of research and development (R&D) activities. Working with our network institutions and public health agencies in the LMICs, we will identify and address barriers to downstream application and adoption of research outputs relavant for VBZD control. During the course of this award, we will support advanced training of 8-10 early career scientists for a two-year period in LMIC institutions, and present up to five workshops/webinars annually to broad program participants in different LMIC institutions. We will provide a leadership training opportunity to two advanced researchers at YSPH for 3-months annually to advance research content and mentorship/administration skills.