Translational research in infectious diseases in The Gambia, West Africa

The Open University is participating in research with The Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratories in The Gambia. These comprise a large research and clinical unit located in Banjul in which the major theme of their work is translational research in

The research has been initiated by The Open University’s Affiliated Research Centre (ARC) programme. The registration of students for Open University research degrees permits African students to develop their research careers and access a wider range of development and advancement opportunities. Since 1994, 11 PhDs and 1 MPhil degree has been awarded to students registered for higher degrees with the OU who have been studying in the MRC.

The research interests include malaria (which remains one of the largest killer diseases, not only in Africa, but world wide), HIV, TB, pneumonia, and other transmittable diseases such as measles. The clinical unit treats not only patients in connection with the research programmes of the laboratories, but also patients who are referred by local clinicians, and patients who self refer. Treatment for all patients, irrespective of how they are admitted, is free of charge and this is of great benefit to the local population. The facilities are of a very high standard have recently been upgraded by a new purpose built building. The research output of the MRC Laboratories is very good, as judged by the quantity and quality of publications of both staff and of postgraduate students (evidenced by the number of papers in high impact factor journals).

The Director of the MRC Laboratories is Professor Tumani Corrah (an OU PhD graduate) and the OU Research Degree Co-ordinator is Dr Assan Jaye.

The Open University’s new Affiliated Research Centre (ARC) programme, which came into effect on 1 October 2007, is designed to ensure that we support the provision of doctoral training in the UK, Europe and worldwide. Through collaborative relationships with research institutions who do not have their own degree awarding powers we have created a network of partner organisations with interests which complement and extend our own strengths in life and biomolecular sciences, Earth and environmental sciences, and in some arts and humanities disciplines. Our partner institutions include: Architectural Association School of Architecture; HR Wallingford; KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kenya; International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Italy; Medical Research Laboratories, The Gambia; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Stowers Institute for Medical Research, USA. Many of the organisations previously linked through the sponsoring establishments programme have elected to seek ARC status. For more information see: http://www.open.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/affiliated-research-centre-programme/index.php

The Open University is the only British University which focuses on delivering learning inside Africa, employing our expertise in teaching and research to help build capacity and enhance the educational infrastructures of developing nations.

For more information visit: http://www.open.ac.uk/africa/