Capacity Building
SOFAR Programme
The Southern Africa Research Capacity Network strengthens research training, mentorship, and collaboration across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia.
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Broad research encompassing priority health problems in the region, adhering to national and international ethical principles.
All kinds of research may receive BRTI support, provided that research activities adhere to national and international ethical principles, are relevant to health problems of the region, and provide opportunities for local capacity building at individual, institutional, and national levels.
Our Expertise
Research Areas
HIV Research
Community-based research on HIV using genomics, bioinformatics, and data science to analyse behavioural and biologic interventions for prevention and treatment.
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Tuberculosis
Research studies designed to answer critical questions about TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through clinical trials and operational research.
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Clinical Trials
Rigorous randomised controlled trials evaluating interventions for HIV, TB, and other priority health conditions across Zimbabwe.
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Health Systems
Health system strengthening research led by the Centre for International Health and Policy to generate evidence for policy and performance improvement.
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Social & Behavioural Science
Qualitative and mixed-methods research on health behaviours, diagnostics acceptance, and ethical issues in health research.
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Genomics & Laboratory Science
Genetic and molecular studies including genotyping, molecular epidemiology, and research into the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
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Current Projects
HIV Research
D43 ATCHIVR Programme
Advanced training in HIV and opportunistic infections genomics, building capacity for conduct of advanced HIV research through fellowships and mentored training.
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HIV Research
Manicaland HIV Project
Multidisciplinary research understanding and responding to trends in the spread, impact, and control of the HIV epidemic in eastern Zimbabwe.
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Tuberculosis
XACT-3 TB Trial
A randomised controlled trial evaluating scalable active case finding for tuberculosis using point-of-care molecular diagnostics (GeneXpert).
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Clinical Trials
Clinical trials at BRTI are designed to answer important questions and determine whether new approaches are safe and effective. Since 1995, the institute has conducted clinical trials of treatments for shigellosis, tuberculosis, and HIV management, among many other conditions.
BRTI maintains an Institutional Review Board (IRB) ensuring all trials meet national and international ethical standards. External investigators may request access to the BRTI-IRB to conduct studies under established policies and procedures.
Active Trials
CHIEDZA, XACT-3, VITALITY, and COP 21 are among our current active clinical trials.
IRB Access
External investigators can request IRB review for proposed studies. See how to apply.
Our Record
Research Impact
- 30+
- Years of Research Excellence
- 50+
- Active Research Projects
- 100+
- Researchers & Staff
- 500+
- Publications
- 20+
- International Collaborators
Evidence to Practice
How Research Changes Care
Policy Influence
The main role of BRTI is to provide the infrastructural support that researchers need to become effective in influencing policy. Research findings from BRTI studies have informed national HIV and TB control programmes, laboratory standards, and youth health service delivery models.
The Manicaland HIV Project has generated landmark epidemiological data used by policymakers across Southern Africa, while the CHIEDZA trial is shaping youth-friendly health service delivery in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Capacity Building
Every BRTI research project provides opportunities for local capacity building at individual, institutional, and national levels. Through CREATE, SOFAR, TESA, and D43 programmes, the institute has trained hundreds of researchers at postgraduate and postdoctoral levels.
Laboratory systems strengthening under PEPFAR has improved diagnostic access for millions of Zimbabweans, while genomics training workshops build the next generation of molecular scientists.
Partner on Research
Collaborate with BRTI on studies, clinical trials, and capacity building that improve health outcomes across Africa.