ARISE: Africa Research Initiative and Support Network

Transcription

1 ARISE: Africa Research Initiative and Support Network E Gomo, B Asiimwe-Kateera, A Katamba, C Maliwichi-Nyirenda, MM Chidzonga, P Kyamanywa, E Katabira, A Muula, H Tumwijukye, T Mashaah, M Boele van Hensbroek, N Pakker, F Janssen 9 th INTEREST Meeting 5-7 May 2015 Harare, Zimbabwe University of Makerere College of Health Sciences University of Malawi College of Medicine University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development 1

2 Rationale and Objectives of ARISE Research and Capacity Challenges in Developing Countries Research Quality & Quantity Are important outstanding research questions addressed? What is the quality of the research conducted? Is there enough local research capacity on the ground? Research Ownership Who makes the current research agenda in DC s? Who has the research ownership? Who receives the credits (authorship)? Research Support What is the quality of the institutional environment for research support in DC s? ARISE Objectives 1. To improve research capacity within 4 regional RSTCs by synchronizing and twinning (COMMAL & INTERACT). 2. To harmonize training methodology, accreditation and evaluation system. 3. To develop the individual RSTCs into units capable of addressing national health problems and delivering a service portfolio. 4. To strengthen grants administration, data management and communication in order to increase income and visibility, ultimately resulting in financial independence.

3 Element Functions Details 10 Essential Functions of the RSTC Training & Courses -1- Applied training -2- Academic courses Short modules providing basic knowledge and skills. Training includes GCP, GLP, data collection, data management. The basic package includes: research methodology, biostatistics, research ethics, evidence-based medicine, and protocol writing. Allows Institutes to train their own future researchers (MSc, PhD level). Services & Support -3- Individual Researcher supp. Consultation on study design, protocol writing, data analysis and manuscript writing on a one-to-one basis. -4- Data management -5- Grants/Project management -6- Quality assurance Institutional research & Infrastructure -7- Ethical review -8- Communication & Information -9,10- Research coordination & Agenda Database programming. Data entry and validation for medium-sized databases. Advanced system suitable for complex (multicentre) databases. Support with trial design, ethics and project finance. Support with writing grant applications and negotiating research contracts (legal and financial matters). Support with financial management of grants Support with monitoring of research data against source documents. Quality assurance of study procedures and reporting. Establishment of an ethical review board in accordance with nat.policy. In second instance, to upgrade the board to adhere to international standards (with respect to modus operandi and composition). Communication (newsletter; website etc.) focusing on activities, policy issues and research results. Information (grants, training opportunities, conferences, etc). Developing an institutional research agenda based on local/national needs and research interests. RSC positioned directly under the responsibility of university rector or college dean in order to improve its coordination capacity.

4 ARISE Achievements (2012 present) RSTC structures Establishment and stabilizing of institutional-embedded RSTC structures in 4 institutions One stop centers for information and support related to any aspect of research Research Training 50+ applied courses conducted 500+ individuals trained Harmonization of existing and newly developed materials Grant Administration improved grant writing Increase in successful grant applications Improved financial management Clinical Research Support Building/strengthening capacity for clinical trial coordination and monitoring Monitoring 10+ large scale clinical trials (Malawi/Uganda) Improved collaboration between the researchers and ethics committees Improved IRB functioning through review of SOPs Research Information Sharing Improved access to research information Institutional research databases Improved south-south networking 4

5 Acknowledgements Institutional leadership and ARISE PIs University of Malawi College of Medicine University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Makerere College of Health Sciences University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences AIGHD RSTC staff Funders NOW/NACCAP Researchers, Faculty and students Other contributors to ARISE Initiatives ARISE Collaborators 5