The DRILL programme is premised on developing young researchers to become future leaders of world-class significance in scientific research.  The training programme will function in multidisciplinary settings and makes awareness of synergistic networks and partnerships needed to achieve high-impact results in public health research and services.

The fellows’ ability to lead and inspire others towards needs of local communities, research priority problems and implementation of solutions, will form part of the career trajectory targets for the fellows. Communities of practice are an important aspect of the research culture because they help the fellows move away from silos and into communities with like-minded colleagues.