PAMAfrica consortium: lessons learned, challenges and opportunities
During the fourth annual PAMAfrica meeting in Kigali, consortium members and EDCTP took part in an interactive session where they reflected on their experiences of collaborating through our partnership. By sharing constructive feedback, key takeaways and recommendations, everyone was able to gain broader insights into the challenges and opportunities of conducting research through an EDCTP-funded project, and how to make the most of future opportunities.
From grant agreement to implementation
Most of the challenges cited dealt with procedures and bureaucratic elements associated with grant management of this nature. Partners shared the challenges they faced around understanding and applying EDCTP guidelines, underscoring a greater need for comprehensive training on grant administration and compliance at the outset of the project. Similarly, some partners expressed a need for training to facilitate grant implementation, and how this could have contributed to a better understanding of research and operational standards, as well as improved compliance and quality across the consortium.
Communications gaps between partners at the outset of the project led to some confusion about roles and responsibilities. While communication improved as the project progressed, the need to establish decision-making processes that are more inclusive and better coordinated were highlighted as areas for improvement for future undertakings.
The discussion also touched on how to optimize resources to better support training initiatives, as well as ensuring the long-term impact of the grant to enhance career development pathways for PAMAfrica-funded students. Partners agreed that the collaborative networks established during PAMAfrica should be maintained and expanded to support future research and innovation in malaria-endemic regions.
Making the most of capacity-strengthening initiatives
Beyond the clinical trial work performed through PAMAfrica to expand the antimalarial toolbox, consortium members commended it for serving as a valuable platform for researchers, support staff and students to build professional networks across institutions and countries. These connections fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing and mentorship opportunities, with several staff members from partner organizations able to advance their academic careers through MSc and PhD programmes.
For future collaborations, partners recommended that capacity-strengthening initiatives also incorporate structured on-the-job training and workshops for support functions, including finance, administration and operations, all of which play critical roles in research implementation. Another recommendation to build on existing capacity-strengthening initiatives was to organize internships or placements at pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, where possible.
Finally, partners agreed that future grants should prioritize the inclusion of more women in leadership roles. While gender disparities are rooted in broader societal structures, proactive measures within research consortia can contribute to meaningful change and raise the standard for equity and inclusion in global health research.