October 2025 · Worcester, Massachusetts — UMass Chan Medical School announced a five-year partnership with Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda to strengthen gene and cell therapy (CGT) research capacity aimed at developing a functional cure for HIV.
The program, funded by the NIH Fogarty International Center with a total grant of USD 1.27 million, will begin in early 2026. It will train Ugandan researchers and students in cutting-edge CGT technologies such as CRISPR-based gene editing, viral vector engineering, immune modulation, and advanced analytics.
Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash
Bridging Global Research and Local Capacity
The initiative is part of NIH’s broader goal to expand global health innovation through technology transfer and education.
By combining UMass Chan’s research infrastructure with local academic strengths, the program seeks to accelerate discoveries in gene-based HIV interventions while establishing a self-reliant scientific ecosystem in sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition to lab-based training, the collaboration includes mentorship programs, visiting fellowships, and curriculum development focused on regulatory science and biomanufacturing for CGT.
Photo by Talha Hassan on Unsplash
Implications for the Global CGT Ecosystem
Experts see the project as a milestone in democratizing access to gene and cell therapy technologies.
The integration of educational exchange and process-development training will likely serve as a blueprint for future collaborations in other regions.
Industry observers note that next-generation CDMOs such as Hillgene are also contributing to this shift—by developing scalable, digitally enabled, and globally accessible manufacturing platforms that make CGT production more efficient and equitable.
Source: UMass Chan Medical School News, “UMass Chan to host Ugandan scholars for gene and cell therapy trainings for HIV cure,” October 2025.
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