The Paul Farmer African Initative for Research (PFAIR) was inspired by the legacy of global health pioneer Dr. Paul Farmer, who devoted his life to caring for underserved populations. The initiative grew out of a series of scientific relationships QBI built across Africa over several years, including an early collaboration with physician and global health leader Dr. Mohamed Bailor Barrie in Sierra Leone. Through their shared connection to Dr. Farmer, Dr. Barrie introduced QBI Director Dr. Nevan Krogan, helping spark the relationships and vision that would ultimately lead to the founding of PFAIR.
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PFAIR is centered on a simple conviction: that computational biology and artificial intelligence are tools every disease area can put to work, and that the research they generate should be owned and led by African scientists themselves. The ultimate vision is to catalyze a vibrant, interconnected research ecosystem between the Global North and the Global South, connecting African scientists with the skills, the tools, and the collaborative platforms they need to lead breakthroughs in drug discovery and biomedical research.
Advance a robust and sustainable African research ecosystem by addressing gaps in infrastructure, funding, and scientific capacity through long-term partnerships and regional collaboration.
QBI–UCSF – Leads international scientific collaboration to tackle biomedical challenges.
Global North Network – UCLA, Northwestern University, University College London, Institut Pasteur, and others.
African Network – Active partnerships in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and Kenya, with expansion underway across West, East, and Southern Africa.
- Strengthen Research Capacity & Mentorship: Provide African scientists with advanced training in bioinformatics, molecular biology, grant writing, and clinical research, supported by sustained mentorship.
- Foster Collaboration and Promote Knowledge Translation: Conduct symposia in different African countries to facilitate international and regional partnerships to translate research and promote African-led initiatives through funding opportunities and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Establish Fellowships: Support exchange programs and postdoctoral fellowships to link African and Global North researchers.
- Foster African Research Networks: Support collaborative RFAs to strengthen regional and cross-border scientific communities.
- Create a Bioinformatics/AI Hub: Focus on data-driven infectious disease research tailored to African needs.
QBI incorporates the UCSF division of QB3, a multicampus UC institute that supports bioscience research and innovation in California
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