Institutional linkages: strategic bridges for research capacity strengthening.

The establishment and strengthening of research capacity in developing countries is of prime importance in empowering these countries to find rational and efficient solutions to their health problems through scientific research. Institutional linkages with other researchers in the North and South greatly facilitate the process of research strengthening through graduate study programs, technology transfer, 'hands-on' research training in the field, expanded networking with partners' contacts, and continued scientific exchanges in the context of actual research programs. This paper describes the experiences of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, the Philippines, in the area of research capacity development. Strengths and weaknesses of various approaches in institutional strengthening are discussed.