WP1 – Coordination and project management

This Work Package is led by Prof. Kassoum Kayentao (the project coordinator) from University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako.

For the management of the WP1, professor Kayentao can count on the close support of Dr. Dario Scaramuzzi (R-Evolution Worldwide, Italy) and Dr. Jenny Hill (LSTM, UK).

As coordinator, professor Kayentao, takes care of overall project communication and administration, proper coordination between WPs, and provides support to each WP leader.

The coordinator acts as a bridge between the EDCTP and the consortium partners. The coordinator is also the main executive arm of the decisions made by the consortium. He supervises the entire project and makes sure that the leader of each WP respects his tasks.

He is a member of each WP’s working groups by default and ensures that sustained progress is made towards project milestones and deliverables.

Objectives of the WP1

O1.1: To establish a decision-making and scientific management structure processes of the project including all work packages.

O1.2: To make sure that an adequate communication is set within and outside the consortium as well as advocacy system for results translation into policy.

O1.3: To ensure that all research activities are conducted following GCP standards under WP3 and 4, according to meeting national and international ethical requirements across the consortium.

O1.4: To ensure that progress is made towards achieving project outcomes, milestones in a timely manner.

O1.5: To monitor project activities against agreed milestones and that progress is made towards achieving project outcomes.

O1.6: To ensure adequate reporting system to EDCTP on project accounting and finances across the consortium.

O1.7: To ensure that mechanisms to identify potential risk and mitigation solutions are established.

How to reach these objectives?

How to reach O1.2

The WP1 leader has the responsibility for ensuring effective networking, reporting and dissemination and communication activities internally (through a quarterly and annual progress reports provided by each WP leader on specific WP milestones achieved) and externally of the consortium.

How to reach O1.3

The WP1 leader will coordinate the development and finalization of the trial protocol before its registration into trial registries. A DSMB of the trial will be set-up and SOPs specific to the trial will be developed. The project coordinator will also ensure that the trial is implemented in accordance with the protocol.

How to reach O1.5

Scientific progress will be monitored through annual Consortium partners meetings to be held at rotating venues during which specific experts may also be invited as needed. In addition, meetings of key investigators will be held quarterly via teleconference or videoconference.

How to reach O1.6

The coordinator will prepare, collect and maintain contractual documents, set-up and maintain project progress technical and financial reports; coordinate and control costs claims, follow-up EDCTP payments, make the distribution of partners budgets, the monitoring and justification of payments, and the organization of report distribution and archiving.

How to reach O1.7

The coordinator will ensure that the study is conducted to ICH\GCP standards. The trial will be monitored by a CRO. He will timely collect and report contributions from all partners and compile all necessary reports for monitoring and quality control purposes. Risk management tasks involve the identification and troubleshooting of technical and organizational problems, contingency planning and risk mitigation.