Our Research Capacity Strengthening (RCS) initiative is dedicated to cultivating a skilled workforce that drives innovation and excellence in research. Through targeted training programs and mentorship, we will empower researchers to thrive in their careers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. We will also focus on enhancing the capabilities of individuals working in various departments to support robust research endeavours.
Our RCS initiative aims to train 15 Masters, 19 PhDs, and 14 postdoctoral scholars. We aim to equip a diverse cohort of scholars with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their respective fields. The selected scholars from India and Nepal will complete their research at the University of Leicester and other UK-based collaborator institutions, benefiting from a world-class academic environment.
In addition to full-term courses, our RCS initiative includes short courses on diverse topics designed to train over 400 researchers and healthcare professionals. We provide individual, institutional, and environmental capacity-building training to 300 intervention implementers, including community champions. Our comprehensive short courses cater to the evolving needs of researchers across disciplines, offering practical insights and tools for success. By training healthcare providers, we strengthen the intersection of research and practice, driving improvements in healthcare delivery and outcomes. The courses will provide training on epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioural sciences, implementation science, health economics, qualitative research methods, health systems research, community and patient engagement, research leadership and management.
We are committed to strengthening the capacity of departments within institutions to support research. By enhancing departmental capabilities, we create a supportive infrastructure that fosters a thriving research environment. Our efforts include strategic collaborations that forge new pathways for research collaboration and knowledge exchange. This holistic approach ensures that departments are well-equipped to facilitate high-quality research, contributing to the overall advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation. From grant management to ethics review, we will bolster institutional infrastructure to support a thriving research environment, ensuring that our scholars are well-prepared to contribute to global scientific advancements.
The NIHR Global Health Research Centre for Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTC) aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing MLTC. It is a five-year research-driven partnership between institutions in the United Kingdom, India and Nepal, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The Centre is co-led by the Public Health Foundation of India and the University of Leicester in partnership with the All India Institute for Medical Sciences, Jodhpur; Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth, New Delhi; Kathmandu Medical College, Nepal (co-applicant institutions) and other partners.
Despite its growing burden, MLTC have received minimal recognition from healthcare providers and policymakers. Health systems are still focused on individual disease management rather than having an integrated care model, resulting in the delivery of fragmented and inefficient care.
The Centre will strengthen research capacities and ecosystems of the co-applicant institutions and undertake extensive community engagement and involvement, and knowledge exchange interventions. This meaningful engagement with patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, communities, and relevant stakeholders at every stage of research will enhance ‘mutual learning’ to effectively address MLTC in both countries and beyond.