University of Surrey collaborates on ground-breaking HIV training programme

The programme, which is being run in collaboration with Professor Rana Chakraborty at the University of Miami, is called 'Next Generation Training in HIV Research: Immunity in the First 1,000 Days in mother-infant dyads (TIGRIS)'. It aims to understand the immune systems of HIV-positive mothers and their newborns in Africa. Through rigorous clinical and laboratory training, TIGRIS will investigate how HIV infection in pregnant women leads to adverse birth outcomes and immune dysfunction in children.

The primary site for TIGRIS will be Stellenbosch University, with the University of Miami as the main partner. The initiative includes multiple co-investigators from leading institutions such as the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Surrey.

Professor Gray says they expect to collectively train 45 students at Stellenbosch University and African partners. “The trainees will also further our understanding of how HIV disrupts the health of mothers and newborns as well as the functions of the placenta."

Dr Fernando Martinez Estrada of the University of Surrey commented: “We are honoured to be part of this important international programme. The collaboration will enable knowledge transfer and provide exceptional training opportunities for MMed and PhD students and post-doctoral fellows in South Africa, Benin, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and the UK, advancing our understanding of HIV's impact on maternal and newborn health.”

This partnership underscores the University of Surrey’s commitment to global collaboration in advancing medical research and education. We extend our congratulations to Professor Clive Gray, Professor Rana Chakraborty and all partners involved in TIGRIS.