Responding to feedback from the TDR community of learners and the growing demand for more specialized training in implementation research (IR), TDR has launched a new series of online lectures and training modules to complement its suite of existing training materials on IR.
Foundations of implementation research is a free, self-paced online lecture series designed for researchers, public health practitioners, and stakeholders involved in implementing proven interventions in low- and middle-income countries. The lectures comprise a standardized curriculum that has been co-developed by eight universities in low- and middle-income countries affiliated with TDR’s research capacity strengthening programmes.
The 15 lectures cover topics such as addressing barriers to implementation, measurement of IR outcomes, research for scaling up interventions and translating results from IR into policy and action.
In addition, new modules to complement TDR’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on IR, available in four languages, have been launched to show implementation research in action through case studies covering specialized topics, as requested by users. Through the MOOC, TDR has already trained thousands of participants on methods for identifying and overcoming barriers to effective health intervention implementation. The newly added modules are designed to deepen participants' understanding and build skills in additional areas of IR while showcasing successful IR projects for infectious diseases.
The new modules cover the following topics:
- Chagas disease in rural Ecuador: This case study highlights the collaborative efforts between researchers and local communities to combat Chagas disease, showcasing innovative strategies and community-driven solutions.
- Trachoma elimination in Ethiopia: A deep-dive into the comprehensive efforts to combat trachoma in Africa, featuring perspectives from researchers, health workers, and affected communities.
- COVID-19 vaccine implementation in Ghana: This module presents adaptive strategies employed during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Ghana, highlighting the importance of community buy-in and programme responsiveness in public health crises.
- Social innovation and community engagement (coming soon): Two specialized modules are designed to foster innovation and strengthen community partnerships within implementation research, both of which are crucial for embedding sustainable health solutions.
- IR short course for health programme implementers (coming soon): Tailored to health professionals, this course provides essential skills for collaborating with IR teams and addressing implementation challenges effectively.
These new courses add to existing MOOC modules such as Incorporating an intersectional gender perspective in IR.
Visit TDRMOOC.org to access the new self-paced modules and subscribe to our newsletter for scientists to get more information on when to register for guided MOOC courses.
“These new training courses are part of efforts to strategically address the global health challenges as outlined in the new TDR Strategy 2024-2029, by enhancing capacity for implementation research where it is most needed, working in equitable partnership with stakeholders,” said Dr Anna Thorson, head of TDR’s research capacity strengthening unit.
For more information, please contact Dr Anna Thorson for the MOOC and Dr Mahnaz Vahedi for the Postgraduate Training Scheme.
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TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, is a global programme of scientific collaboration co-sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO).