Statement PRIOR

• PRIOR is a virtual research centre linking different institutes from the Netherlands, Tanzania and Indonesia to facilitate joint research on poverty-related diseases, focussing on the prevention, control and treatment of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

Our priorities

• PRIOR constitutes a long-term commitment of institutes working as partners of equal status to carry out research, build capacity and facilitate communication among the partners. Hence, PRIOR is more than just a collection of research projects. The research envisaged is variously fundamental, applied or operational in nature.

Expertise in many disciplines

• The complexity of these health problems demands a multidisciplinary approach. Each research institution has its own specific expertise or capacity. PRIOR identifies, acknowledges and strengthens these qualities. The present expertise includes, amongst others, molecular biology, immunology, parasitology, nutritional sciences, internal medicine, pharmacology, epidemiology, public health and psychology.

More capacity 

• Capacity building is one of PRIOR’s cornerstones. Research culture within the participating Tanzanian and Indonesian institutions is promoted and conditions for fostering local careers are provided. Local researchers are attracted, trained and encouraged to stay. The aim is the establishment of Indonesian and Tanzanian “centres of excellence” by building research capacity but also through application of existing knowledge. Communication Open communication among all PRIOR partners and between different researchers at the various institutions is guaranteed. Knowledge is shared, respecting intellectual properties.