U-CARE hosted workshop on public contribution in research in Tanzania
PhD student Faraja Chiwanga (t.v.), in dialogue samtal med medlemmar i den rådgivande gruppen under workshopen i Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Photo: Shadrack Mwamafupa
In mid-November, U-CARE’s Programme Director, Professor Louise von Essen, hosted a workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, focusing on public contribution in research. The event was organized in collaboration with Muhimbili National Hospital – Mloganzila, with Associate Senior Lecturer Joanne Woodford delivering the workshop. The aim was to enhance local research skills and raise awareness of public contribution.
U-CARE's Programme Director, Professor Louise von Essen, in dialogue with PhD student Faraja Chiwanga. Photo: Shadrack Mwamafupa
A diverse group of participants
The workshop brought together researchers, clinicians, and public contributors from across Tanzania.
– I was impressed by the strong interest shown by the participants, says Louise von Essen. The workshop attracted so much interest that we had to create a waiting list. Those who attended the workshop were highly engaged and asked insightful questions about how to incorporate public contribution into their future research.
The event was organized as part of GuardiansCan, a research project aiming to develop a mobile phone support for guardians of children with cancer in Tanzania, led by Professor von Essen. In GuardiansCan, an advisory board consisting of guardians of children with cancer, are involved as public contributors. The workshop participants gained practical insights into effective methods of working with public contribution in research. Importantly, the workshop included a question-and-answer session with GuardiansCan advisory board members who shared their experiences working as public contributors on the GuardiansCan project.
– Public contribution in Tanzania is still in its early stages, explains Louise von Essen. By organizing this workshop, we aim to build Tanzanian researchers' capacity to integrate public contribution into their research.
Associate Senior Lecturer Joanne Woodford presenting during the workshop. Photo: Shadrack Mwamafupa
– Public contribution research is high on the agenda internationally. I hope this workshop has empowered Tanzanian researchers to design and conduct research that is more relevant, feasible, and acceptable to local communities, says Joanne Woodford.
Facts: What is public contribution in research?
Public contribution in research involves engaging members of the public as active partners in research. This includes patients, family members, informal caregivers, and the general public, who work alongside researchers to shape decisions in areas like research design, priority-setting, analysis, and dissemination. Importantly, public contribution can improve the acceptability, quality, relevance, and impact of research, while also empowering the public contributors themselves.