Strengthening Research Administration at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health

In 2021, the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH/NIAID) awarded Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health (MakCHS, SPH) a grant for 18 months, aimed to make our university better at managing NIH Grant Awards. We're thrilled to tell you about what we've done and the great things we've achieved.

Four experienced administrators from MakCHS, SPH took part in two intensive training sessions focused on managing grants at our partner institution, George Washington University (GWU), located in Washington, D.C. This choice was deliberate, as GWU is well-versed in handling a large number of NIH grants, making them experts in this field. Even the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic couldn't slow down our progress. The first training, held virtually from July to November 2021, formed the bedrock of our understanding of NIH grants administration principles and best practices. Through this online format, we were able to involve five junior administrators, making a total of nine individuals who benefited from the program. 

To deepen the learning experience, senior grant administrator Ms. Susan Mawemuko attended a one-week, in-person training program at GWU in November 2022. This invaluable experience not only enriched her knowledge but also provided practical insights into the intricacies of NIH grants management. A significant outcome of this training was the development of an actionable matrix, captured in the "Action Matrix GWU Learning Visit.doc" document. This matrix has emerged as a guiding roadmap, directing targeted improvements in NIH grants management guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and enhancing the grants tracking system.

Our commitment to excellence did not stop at GWU. Eight MakCHS, SPH administrators participated in specialized trainings organized by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in May and December 2021. These tailored sessions further solidified their grasp on program funding and grants administration, strengthening their expertise to navigate the complexities of NIAID/NIH grants with finesse.

The journey towards mastery continued with four MakCHS, SPH administrators attending the NIH virtual seminar on program funding in November 2021, followed by the NIH virtual Grants conference in February 2023. These specialized engagements honed their skills in grant proposal development, financial management, monitoring, and ethical considerations, painting them as truly empowered Institutional Grants Management Leaders.

The robust staff training and mentorship plan developed became the bedrock for illuminating NIH funding policies and regulations, nurturing a deep understanding among grants administrators and research investigators. Seventy-two junior administrators from MakCHS, SPH along with 28 from the East African region, engaged in 20 virtual training sessions. The success of this endeavor materialized through the Research Administrator Buddy Mentorship Program and RA Community of Practice, fostering collaboration and peer support networks that transcended borders. 

These strides have translated into remarkable success stories. Our senior administrators led the charge in submitting 12 NIH prime grant applications, with more than half of them receiving favorable reviews from NIH. This achievement stands as a significant milestone for MakCHS, SPH reflecting our growing expertise and impact.

Additionally, we're proud to highlight the substantial support we extended to three mentees, enabling them to secure Fellowships at George Washington University through the University research administration program of IREX, funded by the Carnegie Foundation. This initiative not only underscores our commitment to continuous professional development but also serves as a testament to our dedication to global collaboration. 

Furthering our impact, our grant award (1G11AI160669-01) has been recognized as a model application on the official NIAID website. This acknowledgment has considerably elevated the visibility of our project activities and investigators. It has sparked interest and paved the way for collaboration and partnership opportunities, positioning our proposal as a source of inspiration and guidance for researchers and grant applicants.

The culmination of our efforts will be pronounced at the upcoming 2023 SRAI Conference in Seattle, Washington. During this event, the Principal Investigator of the SMAC Project Ms. Stella Kakeeto will be honored with the esteemed "Future of the Field" recognition, which prestigious accolade serves as a testament to the significance of our work in propelling knowledge and practices within the grants administration community. It also signifies the influential role our senior administrators have played in shaping the future of grants administration practices on a global scale. 

With these remarkable achievements as our foundation, we eagerly anticipate harnessing their power as we forge ahead, building an even brighter future for MakCHS, SPH and its contributions to the world of research administration.

Many thanks to our Project Advisory Committee led by Professor David Serwadda and our collaborators from GWU led by Dr. Paul Ndebele, along with the support of Professors Rhoda Wanyenze and Damalie Nakanjako, and Dr. David Musoke. A special thanks to Dr. LeShawndra Price and her team from NIAID. Your crucial support has been instrumental in our achievements.

By Stella Kakeeto