The UCI-Fred Hutch Collaboration invests in training the next generation of physician-scientists and other researchers to address the global cancer burden. Together, we have trained over 20 Ugandan physicians and researchers, and over 300 Ugandans and Americans have participated in related training activities, such as nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, and data specialists. 

Training Programs and Fellowships

The UCI-Fred Hutch Collaboration oversees two U.S. NIH International Research Training Grants (NIH D43 Awards). These include, “Building Independent Research Leaders in HIV-Associated Malignancies (HIVAM) in Uganda” (2019-2024, $1.7M) and "Cancer Genomics and Genomic Data Science for East Africa" (2022-2027; $1.25M). Since 2018, the UCI-Fred Hutch Collaboration has led the East African Adult Hematology-Oncology Fellowship. Fred Hutch also supports UCI’s clinical care by leading a bi-weekly lymphoma tumor board and participating in other tumor boards, a monthly clinic conference, a medical supplies program, and nurse training.

Learn more about our training programs, including profiles of the fellows and students, by visiting the Fred Hutch Global Oncology website.

Building Independent Research Leaders in HIV-Associated Malignancies in Uganda 

The primary goal of this training program include expanding the cadre of trained research leaders in the field of HIVAM by conferring doctoral degrees with an emphasis on clinical trials research through our established program with the Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Further, we provide targeted training to facilitate continued programs for early-career scientists (previously advanced degree trainees) to independent investigators in HIVAM in Uganda. There is a structured mentorship program and approaches to preparing trainees to develop competitive grant applications for emerging leaders. The trainees can strengthen their research skills through an established Peer Mentoring Career Development program. The program is led by Warren Phipps, MD, MPH, Deputy Director, Global Oncology, Fred Hutch and Medical Director of the UCI-Fred Hutch Collaboration. Olive Birungi, Training Project Manager, coordinates this program.

Cancer Genomics and Genomic Data Science for East Africa

The newest training program trains professionals from East Africa to generate and analyze cancer genomic data. This program is critical as the fields of genomics and genomic data science are rapidly transforming oncology practice, and this program aims to accelerate research in cancer genomics in Uganda and the region. This program is a partnership between the UCI-Fred Hutch Collaboration, Makerere University, and the Infectious Disease Institute. It is led by Jackson Orem, MBChB, MMed, PhD, Executive Director, UCI, and Edus H. Warren, MD, PhD, Head, Global Oncology, Fred Hutch. 

Past Training Program

Biologic Determinants of the Natural History of AIDS-Defining Cancers in Uganda 

The primary goals of the U.S. NIH U54 cooperative agreement included: 1) characterizing viral genetic diversity among two viral oncogenes, HHV-8 and HPV, and exploring the relationships between genetic variants and the natural history of KS and ICC; 2) describing the evolution of cellular immune response among persons with AIDS-defining malignancies who initiate antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy; and 3) expanding the capacity to conduct state-of-the-art translational research in HIVAM in Uganda through various efforts with Ugandan leaders in HIVAM and continued research infrastructure capacity. 

Additional Activities

Fred Hutch Global Oncology

Visit Fred Hutch Global Oncology for further details on the Collaboration’s training initiatives.

CenterNet

eLearning training and organization development courses are offered through Fred Hutch, and are available to HCRI-Uganda employees. Browse opportunities on Fred Hutch's Organizational Learning and Development CenterNet page. (This is an internal website for employees. Employees should log into the Fred Hutch network and/or join the VPN to access.)

Lymphoma Tumor Board

See presentations, publications, and case reports from the Lymphoma Tumor Board.