title: Capacity building for epidemiologic research: a case study in the newly independent state of Azerbaijan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Because many emerging economies lack local capacity for scientific research, capacity building has become a priority for many international development organizations. This article describes and critiques an approach used for building local capacity for applied health research in Azerbaijan, one of the newly independent states (NIS) of the former USSR.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2000, environmental epidemiology training courses were conducted in Azerbaijan. Several local participants of these courses received hands-on training in the planning and conduct of a subsequent cancer study as a practical extension of the training exercises.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The research demonstrated that international collaboration can not only result in the successful completion of health research in NIS such as Azerbaijan, but also impart research knowledge and experience to local experts. Several practical issues were encountered in the conduct of the training activities that limited their effectiveness. The most desired result (the proposal and conduct of new research by local experts trained through these exercises) has yet to be achieved to the levels expected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  International collaborations such as the approach described here are useful for imparting expertise to researchers in less affluent countries. However, comprehensive capacity building programs providing ongoing professional development, support, and an enabling environment, rather than scientific training alone, are required to achieve long-term sustainability and measurable outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Andruchow
authors.forename: Colin L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Soskolne
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Racioppi
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bertollini
mesh_terms: D001382:Azerbaijan / Q000453:epidemiology; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003906:Developing Countries; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D004813:Epidemiology / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000193:education*; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000191:economics*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires