Supporting the next generation of non-communicable disease research leaders in Africa – experience of the GSK Africa NCD Open Lab

Abstract

Background Despite a large and increasing non-communicable diseases (NCD) burden in Africa, research to inform NCD risk factors, management and outcomes in African populations is limited. Methods The GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Africa NCD Open Lab targeted outstanding early career African scientists, providing funding and scientific support for projects designed and led by African investigators to increase NCD understanding. Applicants were eligible if based in research institutions/universities in Cameroon, Côte D’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda. Proposals in scope addressed cardiovascular disease, oncology, chronic respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes, and could examine relationships between these NCDs and infectious diseases, including across the life-course. Ten awards offering up to £100,000 (US$128,500) for two years’ funding were available to cover research project costs. Additionally, GSK offered in-kind scientific support and mentoring throughout the award duration. Results From 330 unique proposals submitted, 225 met the eligibility criteria covering cardiovascular disease (25.8%), metabolic disorders (23.1%), oncology (17.8%), respiratory disease (8.9%), chronic kidney disease (7.1%), and ‘other’ (17.3%). The highest number of eligible applications were by researchers from Nigeria (28.4%), Kenya (15.1%), and Uganda (14.2%). Following a multi-stage review process by GSK scientists and an independent Scientific Advisory Board of predominantly African scientists, nine proposals were recommended for funding and collaborative support; three cardiovascular, two respiratory, two chronic kidney disease, and two diabetes. The most common training needs identified by applicants were biostatistics, grants management, clinical trial design, and writing for publication. Conclusions By supporting open innovation research, the GSK Africa NCD Open Lab identified a substantial number of African early career researchers enthusiastic to engage in projects relevant to NCDs. In addition to funding, capacity building efforts are critical to ensure sustainable NCD research and a thriving African research community.