Vanderbilt-Nigeria Building Research Capacity in HIV and Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) (V-BRCH) 2

ABSTRACT The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Building Research Capacity in HIV/Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) 2 (‘V-BRCH 2’) renewal application is a coordinated approach to continue to build the capacity of Nigerian investigators to successfully initiate and implement high-quality clinical studies in HIV-associated NCDs. V-BRCH continues to build on the long-standing and highly successful collaborations between leading research institutions in Nigeria and the United States - Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH)/Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. V-BRCH 2 will support the creation of the next generation of highly skilled physician scientists at AKTH through long-term (PhD and master’s level) training to investigate complex scientific questions related to HIV-associated NCDs (Aim 1). We will continue to solidify an atmosphere of continuous mentoring and skills acquisition for Nigerian physician scientists in HIV-associated NCDs via short- and medium-term learning opportunities, paired mentoring arrangements, and competitive seed grants to mentor- mentee teams (Aim 2). V-BRCH 2 will also leverage training activities conducted by Fogarty International Center (FIC)-funded training programs in Nigeria and other African countries (South-South collaborative opportunities) taking advantage of complementary courses, peer-to-peer group learning, and networking opportunities. We will support advanced grant writing instruction, mentorship, and leadership training to V- BRCH 2 trainees to optimize their transition into independent investigators and mentors (Aim 3). To this end, we will select 10 junior faculty (“fellows”) per year to attend the annual two-week Nigeria Institute for Research Development and Ethics (“NIRDE”) research development program in Kano, Nigeria. A Mentorship and Leadership Faculty Development Program targeted to AKTH/BUK faculty who mentor MScPH and PhD students will be developed, in addition to the creation of a virtual “Community of Scholars” that will ensure that V-BRCH 2 trainees gain knowledge and skills for successful careers in HIV-NCD research in a conducive peer- led environment. V-BRCH 2 represents the continuation of years of collaboration in research and training between Vanderbilt and AKTH and will solidify the foundation for sustainable development of clinical research focused on HIV-associated NCDs in Nigeria.