GSK seeks proposals for non-communicable diseases research in Africa

Around £4m has been set aside by GSK as initial funding round, which will support successful proposals from researchers in Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, the Gambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi.

Established by GSK earlier this year with a commitment of £25m funding over five years, the Africa NCD Open Lab aims to create an innovative research network.

This network will see GSK scientists partnering with researchers across Africa on epidemiological, genetic and interventional research, from GSK’s Stevenage R&D facility in the UK.

Africa NCD Open Lab Interim head Dr Mike Strange said: "We believe the highly collaborative research network we’re creating through the Africa NCD Open Lab has the potential to dramatically improve understanding of NCDs in Africa – and could ultimately, accelerate the development of new, better medicines to treat these.

"The launch of our first call for proposals is an important milestone for this initiative, and we encourage researchers working in the field of NCDs who are based in the eight eligible countries to consider applying for the funding and expert support available to them through this."

The proposals will be reviewed by an independent external advisory group, comprising clinical and scientific experts while recommendations for funding will be based on scientific merit.

GSK is planning to launch a second call for proposals in South Africa in 2015 in collaboration with the Medical Research Councils of South Africa and the UK, with a combined £5m funding.