Strengthening research capability, funding and sustainability: a personal perspective.

The need to strengthen research capability has led organizations to provide research-oriented training programs, including various short courses and protocol development workshops, at the end of which it is anticipated that the participants will be able to carry out the research work. However, to do research needs more than just training; it also requires funds, a research infrastructure, technical back-up and other support. This paper compares two of these programs from the perspective of an attendant: WHO/TDR's Fieldlincs program and the CAPS (Center for AIDS Prevention Studies) International Program. The paper also describes the experience of the approaches that have been used to get research funding. In addition, issues related to sustaining researchers in the field are discussed.