Background
Location(s)
Kazakhstan
Indication(s)
- Biothreat pathogens
- Emerging diseases
Situation overview
A cooperative biological research (CBR) program has provided financing, mentorship, infrastructure, and biologic research support to Kazakhstani scientists and research institutes since 2005.
Challenge
Systematically evaluating project chronology, successes, and challenges to inform future projects
How we helped
This study aimed to provide a historical perspective for the CBR involvement in Kazakhstan to allow lessons learned to be applied to future CBR endeavors. We helped develop a project compendium from open source data and interviews with partner country Kazakhstani participants, project collaborators, and stakeholders. Studies from 2004 to the present were utilized.
Outcomes
Overall, the CBR program has increased scientific capabilities in Kazakhstan while reducing the risk of biological threats. However, increased scientific transparency and an overall strategy to develop a capability-based model to better enhance and sustain future research are still needed. The project team found that consistent and effective networking increases the chances to collaborate, especially for competitive funding opportunities.
