Emerging and Re-Emerging Pathogens Research Training Program in DRC (EREP-RTP-DRC)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a global hotspot for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including Ebola virus disease, mpox, and multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). These pathogens pose ongoing threats to global health security, including the United States, due to increasing travel and interconnected health systems. The DRC offers a unique setting for research and training, with access to outbreaks, diverse pathogen ecology, and clinical populations not readily available in the United States, enabling the generation of knowledge directly relevant to protecting American health. We propose the Emerging and Re- Emerging Pathogens Research Training Program in the DRC (EREP-RTP-DRC), based at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), in partnership with Boston University, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Pittsburgh. The overall objective is to develop a critical mass of highly skilled scientists and technical professionals capable of conducting rigorous research and responding to emerging infectious disease threats, particularly highconsequence pathogens of direct relevance to U.S. national health security such as Ebola virus disease, mpox, and MDR-TB. This directly supports U.S. and global health priorities by strengthening surveillance, early detection, and response systems for pathogens with pandemic potential. The specific aims are to: 1) provide research training through long-term degree programs and short-term training opportunities; 2) support mentored research on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases with pandemic potential; 3) strengthen competencies in scientific communication, grantsmanship, research ethics, and program management; and 4) evaluate program outcomes and enhance the translation of research findings into clinical and public health practice, including relevance to the United States. We will achieve these aims using an innovative North-South and South-South triangular mentoring model. Each trainee will have one primary mentor based in the DRC and at least one co-mentor from collaborating institutions in the United States. Most long-term training and research will be conducted in the DRC, while short-term training may take place at U.S. partner institutions. After consultation with an independent Training Advisory Committee, the Steering Committee will oversee the recruitment, research projects, monitoring, and evaluation of 19 highly competitive trainees (7 Master's, 8 PhD, 3 postdoctoral fellows, and 1 laboratory technician), each supported with a seed research grant and protected research time. Each trainee will have an individualized career development plan monitored during training and for five years following program completion. By strengthening research capacity at the source of high-risk pathogens (e.g., Ebola virus, mpox virus, MDRTB), this program will generate knowledge, tools, and a trained workforce that directly contribute to protecting the health of Americans and improving preparedness for future infectious disease threats.