Attachment

Several key factors contribute to the success of the Mali-NIAID collaboration: 1) Astrong scientific basis for collaboration that involves shared scientific interests by capable, well-trained Malian and U.S. investigators and motivated students who produce high quality research outcomes. It should be noted that Mali priorities drive the research effort. 2) Malian Government and university support 3) Involvement of local community leaders in decision making 4) Long-term commitment of NIAID staff to research collaboration and mentoring 5) Training of the next generation of local scientists, with opportunities for them to engage in scientific leadership 6) Human, physical, and technological capacity building 7) Ability to attract NIH and other funding, i.e., multiple sources of support 8) Establishment of research administration structure at the MSC and RSO 9) On-going personal relationships and trust developed over a long period of interactions