The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking U.S. and African research institutions to plan research training and capacity building programs focused on emerging viral epidemics in collaboration with institutions in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Applications are sought which propose a collaborative planning process to develop training approaches that will create sustainable research capacity for the early identification, transmission prediction, testing of public health responses, and assessing and addressing long term health sequelae related to emerging viral diseases that have the potential for regional and global pandemics.

High priority research training areas may include:

Epidemiology research & predictive transmission modeling
Public health data management research – GIS mapping, IT and informatics
Operational and implementation research to establish best public health practices in epidemic
Prevention, management and clinical management of patients
Use of mobile (mHealth) technologies and applications
Social science research including medical anthropology related to relevant cultural practices
Clinical pathology and treatment research related to health sequelae in viral epidemic survivors, including mental health and trauma and other chronic conditions
Research related to palliative care for patients and survivors of viral epidemics
Biohazard engineering research to develop better infected patient care and medical laboratory equipment, personnel protective gear for healthcare workers, disinfection and waste disposal methods appropriate for low resource health settings
Impact on special populations, including people living with HIV/AIDS
Basic research and development of point of care diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics up to Phase 1 clinical trials
Innovative approaches to conduct research during an outbreak, including ethical issues