Evaluating a Research Training Program in Environmental Health and Noncommunicable Diseases in Georgia
Carla J Berg1,2, Lela Sturua3, Amiran Gamkrelidze4
1Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|September 27, 2025
Summary
The Clean Air Research and Education (CARE) program successfully built environmental health and noncommunicable disease research capacity in Georgia. Key successes included professional networking, expert exposure, and research support, with priorities for future sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health Research
- Noncommunicable Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health Capacity Building
Background:
- The Clean Air Research and Education (CARE) program was established in 2020 to bolster environmental health (EH) and noncommunicable disease (NCD) research capabilities in the Republic of Georgia.
- This evaluation covers the program's initial 4.5 years, assessing fellow activities, achievements, and participant feedback.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact and outcomes of the CARE program over its first 4.5 years.
- To summarize the research activities and achievements of CARE fellows.
- To gather and analyze feedback from both fellows and faculty regarding the program's strengths and areas for improvement.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous survey was administered in February 2025 to CARE fellows (n=23) and faculty (n=10).
- Fellow response rate was 100% (4 Master's of Public Health, 19 PhD).
- Faculty response rate was 66.7% (6 Georgia-based, 4 US-based).
Main Results:
- Fellow thesis/dissertation topics focused on tobacco (43.5%), air pollution and respiratory outcomes (21.7% each), lead exposure, and cancer/cardiovascular outcomes (13.0% each).
- CARE funding supported research execution (78.3%), conference attendance (34.8%), training (21.7%), and publication fees (26.1%).
- Most valued aspects included professional networking, expert exposure, training, and research support.
Conclusions:
- CARE has effectively enhanced research capacity in environmental health and noncommunicable diseases in Georgia.
- Sustaining structured mentorship, international collaboration, funding support, and advanced training are crucial for future program success.
- The CARE evaluation model can inform the development of similar research training programs in low- and middle-income countries.
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