INFORM Africa Research Hub Supports Professional Development Through Sponsored Virtual Training
As part of its commitment to strengthening research capacity and developing a skilled public health workforce, the INFORM Africa Research Hub sponsored staff and collaborators to participate in a series of virtual professional development courses throughout 2024. These trainings were carefully selected to enhance competencies in project management, policy development, monitoring and evaluation, and data science—key areas that support evidence-based research and public health practice.
Project Management Training
To strengthen leadership and project implementation skills within the research ecosystem, INFORM Africa sponsored participants to attend several global health training programmes and obtained certificates from the University of Washington , including:
- Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health (February 2024) – 3 participants
- Project Management in Global Health (June 2024) – 12 participants
- Policy Development and Advocacy in Global Health (September 2024) – 12 participants
These courses equipped participants with practical knowledge in programme planning, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, policy processes, and project implementation. The skills acquired have enhanced participants’ ability to effectively manage research projects, contribute to policy discussions, and support evidence-informed decision-making.
Data Science Training
Recognizing the growing importance of effective data stewardship, the Hub also sponsored 17 participants to undertake a Research Data Management virtual training in June 2024.
The training focused on best practices for organizing, documenting, storing, sharing, and preserving research data throughout the data lifecycle. Participants strengthened their understanding of data management planning, metadata standards, data security, ethical considerations, and strategies for promoting reproducible and collaborative research.
Building Capacity for Sustainable Research
These sponsored trainings reflect INFORM Africa’s continued investment in developing multidisciplinary expertise across project management and data science. By providing access to high-quality professional development opportunities, the Hub is equipping researchers and public health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to advance collaborative research, strengthen institutional capacity, and support data-driven public health initiatives across Africa.
