Grant Writing Training Session Held in Collaboration with EPHI, Tigray Health Research Institute - December 2023
The Ethiopian Public Health Institute recently collaborated with the Tigray Health Research Institute to conduct an advanced research grant writing workshop in the Tigray region, funded by the EpiGen Ethiopia project. This initiative was aimed at enriching the knowledge and skills of local researchers in crafting compelling grant proposals. The training was expertly led by Dr. Dawit Wolday, an esteemed associate professor at McMaster University, renowned for his significant experience as an EDTCP grant reviewer and his success in orchestrating grant-driven research in infectious diseases that facilitated numerous collaborative projects with both national and international academic institutions.
Dr. Wolday's proficiency in grant writing illuminated the training, offering participants unique opportunities to refine their skills in crucial research areas. Designed to be highly interactive and leveraging adult learning techniques, the sessions expanded attendees' understanding across various topics. The training aimed to equip its participants with the essential knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to develop and submit competitive research proposals for funding.
The workshop was officially inaugurated on December 26, 2023, by Dr. Hayelom Kahsay, the Director General of the Tigray Health Research Institute, in Mekele, the capital city of the Tigray Regional state, and was conducted from December 25 to December 29, 2023. It brought together approximately thirty-five participants, including ten women with a master's degree, from notable institutions such as Adigrat University, Aksum University, Mekelle University, and the Tigray Health Research Institute. The curriculum was structured around three fundamental aspects of grant writing: identifying research problems, designing research, and elucidating the scientific contributions to existing knowledge. Furthermore, discussions delved into scientific excellence, the impact of research, and its implementation—key elements for successful grant applications. Each session featured dynamic presentations and group activities to foster discussion and critique, culminating in presentations by participants and thorough evaluations by Dr. Wolday, enhancing the collective learning experience.