UCRC is an initiative between the Malian Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Higher Education, University of Science, Technology and Technology of Bamako (USTTB) and NIAID. The purpose of the collaboration is to enhance the infrastructure and resources needed to facilitate clinical research in Mali. NIAID has had a longstanding partnership with the USTTB. In 2013 the Minister of Health in Mali, recognizing this and the role of the partnership in establishing the country’s first biosafety level 3 laboratory, approached NIAID to request continued support for clinical research. This research center provides core research capabilities and staff to in scientific research, operations, data management, pharmacy and diagnostics (with an immunocore, molecular, hematology, and BSL-3 laboratory).
Main Areas of Focus
- To facilitate the development of a coordinated clinical research program in Mali
- To enhance the existing clinical research programs and facilitate their growth and sustainability
- To stimulate clinical research in West Africa that is guided by international standards and principles
- To develop an excellent research environment that will attract researchers worldwide and foster collaborations