Summary

This training grant utilizes the existing research infrastructure that is already available in Peru to train and expand the capabilities of scientists and health professionals from developing countries to engage in infectious disease research. This well established program of over 20 years has already trained over 45 Peruvians and 200 students from other nations. In Peru a mentor program will be used to train students in research methodology. The specific aims are to (1) train two students at the master’s level at Cayetano Heredia in either public health or biochemistry; (2) to set up a series of 2-day research seminars that will focus on training individuals from outside Lima in research methodology and on responsible research; (3) to train over a 5-year period 7 students at the Tropical Medicine and Public Health Summer Institute at Johns Hopkins University; (4) to train over a 5-yeard period 2 PhD candidates. This is a broad-based infectious disease program that has diarrheal disease, cysticercosis, and tuberculosis as its main emphasis. Researchers have a long history of working on Helicobacter pylori. Funding is also available to work in leptospirosis and malaria.