Wellcome Trust Brighton and Sussex Centre for Global Health Research (360G-Wellcome-100715_Z_12_Z)

There have been unprecedented scientific advances in genetics and genomics which are likely to translate into major improvements for human health. However, these advances will only widen the existing equity gap between high-income countries and low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), which disproportionately bear the burden of poor health, if LMIC populations, their scientists and health practitioners are not fully engaged. Given the recent expansion in funding for genomic research in Africa that this gap has driven, there is an urgent need to support the development of LMIC researchers in genomic science within a framework that addresses the ethical, legal and social implications of such research for individuals and their communities. Our vision, therefore, is to contribute towards improving the health of some of the world's poorest people by equipping high calibre researchers to undertake excellent research that will impact on important, locally-relevant global health problems. Our Centre* will build capacity for independent research at three LMIC partner institutions, supporting environments that empower scientists to contribute to a wider African research enterprise. Playing to our collective strengths, the Centre will focus on supporting research training in Genomics and Global Health for two key groups: a) 'high-flying' individuals with the potential to develop into world-class, independent scientific leaders who will receive tailored support and mentorship to develop their scientific ideas and submit competitive funding proposals b) a broader group of academic staff and postgraduate students, in order to build academic research and teaching expertise through a series of workshops and scientific meetings and an online resource centre. The Centre will draw on the applicants' expertise in public health, epidemiology, genetics and genomics, public engagement, ethics and policy, in partnership with collaborating centres. We will take a novel interdisciplinary approach where medical humanities are represented alongside basic and clinical science and the importance of fostering cross-cutting research is recognised and exploited. This initiative builds on recent university investments and efforts in global health at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) and the University of Sussex, meaning the UK base is embedded within a rich university environment that has a long track record of progressive engagement with LMICs. * The term 'Centre' refers collectively to all applicant institutions: BSMS/University of Sussex (UK), Nowgen (UK), the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (Ethiopia), the Research Foundation in Tropical Diseases and Environment/Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea (Cameroon) and the Institute of Endemic Diseases (Sudan).