title: Strengthening research governance for sustainable research: experiences from three Zimbabwean universities.
abstract: A robust research system requires a robust governance framework. As part of the Medical Education Partnership Initiative, three Zimbabwean universities partnered with two U.S. universities in a project to strengthen research governance in the Zimbabwean universities. The project aimed at (1) developing research policies, (2) strengthening central research management offices, (3) developing a research administration curriculum, and (4) enhancing awareness about the role and relevance of research administration in other universities and research institutions in Zimbabwe. Through the efforts of the partners, a generic research policy was developed and successfully adapted by the institutions. A curriculum was drafted, and module development experts are helping to finalize the curriculum to meet university requirements for accreditation of training research administrators. The Association of Research Managers of Zimbabwe was established to promote information sharing and professionalize research administration. The consortium approach enabled rapid and smooth development and adoption of research policies in the institutions. It also helped researchers and managers accept research administration as an essential structure and function. The experiences and lessons learned are reported here to benefit other institutions and consortia.
authors: Ms. Mashaah is coordinator, Research Support Center, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe. Dr. Hakim is MEPI Zimbabwe principal investigator, Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe. Dr. Chidzonga is dean, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe. Dr. Kangwende is director, Africa University Clinical Research Center, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. Dr. Naik is director, Research and Innovation Management Office, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Dr. Federspiel is academic research and program officer, Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection Operations, Stanford University, Stanford, California. Ms. Fiorillo is research administrator, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado. Dr. Scott is professor of emergency medicine and health policy, George Washington University, Washington, DC. Dr. Gomo is director, Research Support Center, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors: Thokozile
authors: T
authors: Mashaah
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Hakim
authors: Midion
authors: M
authors: Chidzonga
authors: Rugare A
authors: RA
authors: Kangwende
authors: Yogeshkumar
authors: Y
authors: Naik
authors: Nancy
authors: N
authors: Federspiel
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Fiorillo
authors: Jim
authors: J
authors: Scott
authors: Exnevia
authors: E
authors: Gomo
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D016134:Organizational Policy; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities; D015030:Zimbabwe