Einstein/Rwanda/DRC Consortium for Research in HIV/HPV Malignancies

ABSTRACT In this U54, we propose to establish an HPV/HIV-Associated Malignancy Research Center (HAMRC) as a partnership of institutions and investigators in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States (US), with an integrated, trans-disciplinary focus on HIV/HPV-associated malignancies. The HAMRC is planned to have a coordinated and integrated program of research and capacity-building (Developmental Core) in HPV-related cancers in PLWH. The aim of the Developmental Core is to develop a cadre of junior and mid- level researchers who will utilize the resources developed by the Center to catalyze research in HPV/HIV-associated malignancies in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This development of junior and mid-level researchers will be done through an apprenticeship model in which they are paired with an experienced investigator in the development and execution of a research protocol or a pilot project. Mentoring will be individually tailored for each trainee, building on his or her prior training, research experience, interests and research projects. In addition, a peer-reviewed pilot grants program will be utilized to stimulate development of research projects specifically in HPV/HIV associated cancers. The Developmental Core will be led by three African investigators who are all independently funded researchers, thus, providing the ESIs with role models who have navigated challenges similar to their own and strong examples to follow/learn from. In addition to the Core Directors, a team of mentors will work with the trainees in the major research projects and potential pilot projects