Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 2026
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how the TRENNDZ (Training in Research in Emerging Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Diseases in Zambia) fellowship programme collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal data obtained through this website and related online services. It applies to visitors to our website, individuals who contact us via online forms, participants who register for TRENNDZ events (such as symposia and workshops), and recipients of our electronic communications, including newsletters and research updates.
TRENNDZ supports early-career clinician-scientists conducting neurological disease research in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is affiliated with the University Teaching Hospital and the University of Zambia, alongside other collaborating institutions, and is funded by the NIH Fogarty International Center (Grant No. D43 TW011401).
2. What Personal Data We Collect
We collect personal data that you choose to provide to us, as well as certain information automatically generated by your use of this website. The types of data we may collect include:
2.1 Contact Form Submissions
When you contact us through the website (for example, to request information about the fellowship, collaborations, or events), we may collect your name, email address, institutional affiliation, professional role, and the content of your message.
2.2 Symposium and Workshop Registrations
When you register for TRENNDZ events (such as symposia, workshops, or training sessions), we may collect your name, contact details, institutional affiliation, professional role or career stage, country of residence or work, and information related to your participation (for example, session selections, abstract submissions, or dietary/accessibility requirements if provided).
2.3 Newsletter and Email Sign-Ups
If you subscribe to our newsletter or email updates, we collect your name, email address, and, where relevant, institutional or professional information you choose to provide. We may also record your preferences for the types of information you wish to receive.
2.4 General Site Usage Data
When you visit our website, we and our service providers may automatically collect certain technical information, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, pages viewed, referring and exit pages, and the dates and times of your visits. This information is generally collected in aggregate form and does not directly identify you, but in some cases it may be treated as personal data under applicable laws.
3. How We Use Personal Data
We use the personal data we collect for purposes consistent with the objectives of the TRENNDZ fellowship programme and our institutional and grant obligations. These purposes include:
3.1 Communications: To respond to your enquiries, provide information you have requested, and correspond with you about your engagement with TRENNDZ (for example, event participation, mentoring opportunities, or collaboration requests).
3.2 Research and Programme Updates: To send you newsletters, announcements, and updates about TRENNDZ activities, research opportunities, training calls, and related initiatives, where you have opted to receive such communications or where we are otherwise permitted to do so.
3.3 Event Coordination: To manage registration, logistics, and administration for symposia, workshops, training events, and other programme activities, including the preparation of participant lists, attendance records, and certificates, where applicable.
3.4 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Grant Reporting: To compile aggregate information on participation, reach, and outcomes of the TRENNDZ programme to meet monitoring and evaluation needs, inform programme improvement, and fulfil reporting obligations to funders such as the NIH Fogarty International Center.
3.5 Website Management and Improvement: To understand how our website is used, improve its content and functionality, maintain the security and integrity of the site, and ensure that our communications are relevant and accessible.
4. Data Storage and Security
This website is hosted on the WordPress.com platform. Personal data submitted through the website (for example, via contact forms or registration forms) may therefore be stored on WordPress.com servers, and on secure systems used by TRENNDZ and its institutional partners for programme administration.
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure, or access. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. You should take care when deciding what information to send to us electronically.
5. Third-Party Tools and Services
We rely on third-party service providers to support the operation of this website and our communications. These may include:
5.1 WordPress.com: Our website is built and hosted on WordPress.com, which provides the underlying content management and hosting services. WordPress.com may process limited personal data as a data processor or independent controller, in accordance with its own terms and privacy policies.
5.2 Analytics and Usage Measurement: We may use built-in WordPress.com statistics or embedded analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site. These tools typically collect information in aggregate form, such as page views, referring sites, and general geographic location.
These third-party providers are expected to handle personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws and their own published policies. We do not sell your personal data to third parties.
6. NIH / Fogarty Grant Obligations
TRENNDZ is funded by the NIH Fogarty International Center (Grant No. D43 TW011401). As part of our grant obligations, we may need to report on programme activities, reach, and outcomes to the funder and affiliated institutions.
For these purposes, personal data collected through this website and related systems may be used in aggregate or de-identified form to generate statistics and summaries. We do not include directly identifying personal data (such as names or email addresses) in public reports. Where individual-level information is required for audit or compliance purposes, access is restricted to authorised personnel and handled in line with applicable ethical and legal requirements.
7. Your Data Protection Rights
Depending on the laws that apply in your jurisdiction and to our activities, you may have certain rights in relation to your personal data. These may include the right to:
Access: Request confirmation of whether we hold personal data about you and obtain a copy of that data.
Correction: Request that we correct or update inaccurate or incomplete personal data we hold about you.
Deletion: Request that we delete your personal data where there is no valid reason for us to continue to hold it (for example, where it is no longer needed for programme administration or reporting, and we are not legally required to retain it).
Restriction or Objection: Request that we limit the processing of your personal data or object to certain types of processing, particularly for direct communications.
Opt-Out of Communications: Unsubscribe from newsletters or other email communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link (where provided) or by contacting us directly using the details below.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in the “Contact” section below. We may need to request additional information to verify your identity before responding to your request.
8. Cookies and Similar Technologies
This website may use cookies and similar technologies provided by WordPress.com and any embedded analytics tools. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help the site function properly and provide basic usage information.
We primarily use cookies that are necessary for core site functionality, such as enabling page navigation, remembering certain preferences, or supporting secure login for authorised users. Analytics cookies may also be used to help us understand how the site is used so we can improve its content and performance. You can usually control or delete cookies through your browser settings, but disabling certain cookies may affect how the site functions.
9. Contact for Privacy Queries
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, our handling of personal data, or if you wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact:
Email: privacy@trenndz.org
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our activities, legal or regulatory developments, or improvements in our practices. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was most recently revised. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we handle personal data.
