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Science in service of people
Research ethics Participant portal Ndola, Zambia
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NATIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE ADVANCING HEALTH THROUGH RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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Try “clinic”, “research”, “training” or “ethics”.
National Health Research and Training Institute

Advancing health
through research and training

NHRTI is at the forefront of Zambia’s health research and training landscape, generating knowledge and developing evidence-based solutions to address emerging and existing health challenges. Through science, innovation and collaboration, we turn research into meaningful impact for communities and the nation.

Explore our research Visit our clinic
Discovering. Innovating.
Transforming.
Specialised laboratory diagnostics and clinical research testing at NHRTI
Science with purpose.People at the heart of our work.
For patients & families

Care you can connect with.

Find clinic services, laboratory tests and the team to help plan your visit.

Explore clinical services For researchers & partners

Big questions. Shared purpose.

Meet our scientific teams, explore projects and find a route to collaboration.

Discover our research For students & professionals

Keep learning. Go further.

Explore the developing training programme and enquire about learning opportunities.

Explore training
NHRTI staff in discussion around a table
A legacy of discovery

Better health starts with understanding.

Our story began in 1975 as the Tropical Diseases Research Centre. Today, NHRTI brings people, evidence and ideas together to address Zambia’s health priorities.

Scientists, clinical teams, laboratory professionals and research partners work across disciplines — connecting careful investigation with the health questions that matter to communities.

Get to know NHRTI
1975

Our research roots

The year the Tropical Diseases Research Centre was established.

Ndola

Our home in Zambia

Connecting scientific work with communities and health services.

3

Scientific departments

Biomedical, Clinical, and Public Health & Epidemiology.

Around the institute

Recent Activities

All current activities News stories

Explore the questions we study.

Malaria

Understanding transmission, prevention and treatment.

Tuberculosis

Investigating detection, drug resistance and diagnostic methods.

Immunisation

Studying vaccine protection, immune response and coverage across populations.

STIs & HIV

Investigating prevention, viral load, transmission and integrated care.

Nutrition

Examining micronutrients, fortified foods and nutrition programmes.

Maternal & reproductive health

Researching infections in pregnancy and tests closer to care.

Health systems & long-term health

Investigating antibiotic use, infection after surgery and cancer biology.

Neglected Tropical Diseases

Investigating schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and other endemic parasitic burdens in vulnerable communities.
Meet the questions behind the science

Big health questions. Focused research.

Take a closer look at selected studies and the people investigating them. Each project opens a different window onto better health.

Explore research projects
NHRTI field researchers demonstrating mosquito vector surveillance and light-trap collection methods
Malaria · vector control

Mosquito control

How well can an indoor spray control mosquitoes that resist insecticides?

Explore the study
Vitamin A study clinical researcher providing supplement drops to a child for healthier nutrition
Nutrition · laboratory methods

Vitamin A measurement

How can we measure the body’s vitamin A stores more accurately?

Meet the project
HPV vaccination research team outside Ndola District Health Office collaborating on cervical cancer prevention
Prevention · health services

HPV vaccination

Can established HIV services help adolescent girls access HPV vaccination?

Explore the research
NHRTI Clinic healthcare staff providing patient consultation with censored patient face for privacy
For individuals and families

A clearer path to care.

The NHRTI Clinic connects clinical services with the institute’s laboratory and research expertise. Start with the service you need, and let our team guide your next step.

  1. Find the right service

    Explore the clinic and laboratory pages to see which team can help.

  2. Talk to the team

    Confirm availability, appointment arrangements, charges and any referral requirements.

  3. Prepare for your visit

    Follow the team’s instructions about what to bring and any preparation needed.

Explore clinic services Contact the team
Confidence in every step

Good science. Dependable diagnostics.

Our medical laboratories bring specialist expertise and quality systems to clinical care and research. Explore the service catalogue and the defined scope of our SADCAS accreditation.

Browse laboratory services View accreditation
Scientists working at laboratory microscopes ISO 15189:2022Medical laboratory · MED 032
Keep learning. Go further.

Growing skills. Sharing knowledge.

NHRTI is developing a training programme around the practical skills needed to conduct and use health research in Zambia — shaped with partners and prospective learners.

Explore training Work with us
Participants working with laptops during a research training workshop

Practical research skills

Learning connected with research, data analysis and the health system.

Learning with partners

Collaboration that brings complementary knowledge and experience together.

A programme taking shape

Training priorities developed around national needs and prospective learners.

Contact the institute about current opportunities. Course dates and application routes will be shared when formally announced.

Here to help you move forward

Your next step, made easier.

Research ethics

Guidance for responsible research and ethical review.

Proficiency testing

Enrollment guidance and participant access.

Resources

Institutional information and useful documents.

Talk to our team

Find the right contact for your enquiry.
Frequently asked questions

Questions? Start here.

A little guidance for your next step. Find answers about visiting NHRTI, our services and working with us.

All frequently asked questions

10 questions shown

How do I arrange a clinic visit?

Contact NHRTI and ask for the clinic. Confirm the service you need, where to attend and whether an appointment or referral is required.

Clinic Services

How do I arrange a laboratory test or water analysis?

Ask the laboratory to confirm the requested analysis, sample requirements, charges and reporting arrangements before collecting or sending a sample.

Explore laboratory services

Where can I find research projects and publications?

Browse Research Projects for scientific programmes and Publications for published papers. Use the available research-area and year filters to find your topic.

Browse publications

How do I submit a research ethics application?

Contact the NHRTI Research Ethics Committee Secretariat for current requirements and the correct submission route.

Research ethics guidance

How do I ask about training or a research attachment?

Contact the institute with your area of interest. The relevant team can confirm current opportunities, eligibility and application requirements.

Explore training

Can a health facility arrange a referral?

Contact the receiving clinic or laboratory first to confirm the service, request documentation, specimen arrangements and follow-up route.

Referral services

Can I use NHIMA at the clinic?

The institute’s service information describes the clinic as NHIMA-accredited. Confirm your eligibility, service coverage and any charges with the clinic before visiting.

Does a listed project mean recruitment is open?

No. Project pages describe the research portfolio and do not advertise recruitment. Contact the relevant team through NHRTI for study-specific information.

How can my laboratory join proficiency testing?

Contact the PTS team to confirm the suitable scheme and obtain current enrollment information. Participant access is issued through the enrollment process.

PTS enrollment

Can I attach test results to a general enquiry?

Please do not send test results, medical records or other sensitive documents through the general form. Ask the relevant team for the appropriate secure route.