Translational Neurology Research and Development in Zambia (TRENNDZ) is a collaborative initiative focused on strengthening neurology research capacity in Zambia and the region.
Hosted through partnerships between the University of Rochester, the University of Zambia, and the University Teaching Hospitals, TRENNDZ brings together clinicians, researchers, trainees, and administrators who are committed to improving the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders. Our work is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and partners dedicated to building sustainable research infrastructure in low- and middle-income settings.
Our Vision
Our vision is a future where children and adults in Zambia have timely access to high-quality, evidence-based neurological care, supported by strong local research programs and a skilled neurology workforce.
We aim to:
- Build a critical mass of Zambian clinician-scientists in neurology and related fields
- Generate high-quality data to inform clinical practice and policy
- Strengthen systems that support ethical, efficient, and patient-centered research
- Foster long-term, equitable partnerships between Zambian and international institutions
Our Mission
TRENNDZ exists to:
- Develop and support neurology research training for medical students, residents, fellows, and early-career investigators
- Design and implement clinical research and trials addressing locally relevant neurological diseases
- Create a coordinated Neurology Research Office (NRO) that provides administrative, regulatory, and data support
- Promote multidisciplinary collaboration across departments, hospitals, and institutions
- Share findings through publications, conferences, and community engagement
Why Neurology & Why Now?
Neurological disorders are a major and growing cause of disability and death worldwide. In Zambia, conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, neuroinfectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders place a substantial burden on individuals, families, and the health system.
TRENNDZ responds to this gap by:
- Supporting training pathways in neurology and related disciplines
- Developing research infrastructure that can support both observational studies and interventional trials
- Ensuring that research questions are driven by local clinical needs and priorities
Our Collaborating Institutions
TRENNDZ is built on strong institutional partnerships, including:
- University of Rochester, Department of Neurology – Providing mentorship, methodological expertise, and academic partnership.
- University of Zambia, School of Medicine – Home to many of the clinicians, trainees, and investigators advancing neurology research.
- University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Children’s Hospital – Key clinical site for pediatric neurology research and training.
- UTH Adult Hospital – Major referral center and core partner for adult neurology research and trials.
The Neurology Research Office (NRO)
The TRENNDZ Neurology Research Office (NRO) is the administrative and operational hub for neurology studies within the program.
The NRO:
- Coordinates study start-up, ethics and regulatory submissions
- Supports participant recruitment, scheduling, and follow-up
- Manages data collection, quality control, and reporting
- Facilitates communication between investigators, sponsors, and institutional leadership
Our Team
TRENNDZ is led by a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, pediatricians, researchers, statisticians, and administrators across partner institutions. Our leadership and core team include program leadership based at the University of Rochester and the University of Zambia, Neurology Research Office (NRO) staff, faculty mentors, research coordinators, data specialists, and trainees who are building careers in neurology research.
How to Get Involved
We welcome clinicians, trainees, investigators, institutions, funders, and community partners who are interested in neurology research in Zambia. To learn more about opportunities to collaborate, train, or support TRENNDZ, please visit our Contact page or reach out via the details provided there.
