Exploring the challenges and hidden opportunities of hosting a virtual innovation competition in the time of COVID-19

Akoum, Maha El; Achi, Mahmoud El

doi:10.1136/bmjinnov-2021-000717

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Data from past networking studies show that early career women prefer organic networking, which relies on building connections based upon shared interests. With the shift to virtual networking, recreating these experiences can be a challenge [ 23 ]. Designing purposeful and interactive activities to facilitate active participation and discussion, and peer-to-peer interaction is important when planning virtual networking events [ 24 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of a Virtual Networking Event for Emerging Women Leaders in Global Health

Iyengar

Ehrlich

Chung

et al. 2022

Annals of Global Health

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Background: Networks are critical for leadership development, but not all networks and networking activities are created equally. Women and people of color face unique challenges accessing networks, many of which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual platforms offer opportunities for global professionals to connect and can be better tailored to meet the needs of different groups. As part of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health annual meeting in 2021, we organized a networking session to provide a networking space for emerging women leaders in global health (i.e. trainees, early career professionals, and/or those transitioning to the field). Objectives: We evaluated the virtual networking session to better understand participants’ perception of the event and its utility for professional growth and development. Methods: We distributed online surveys to participants immediately after the event and conducted a 3-month follow-up. Out of 225 participant, 24 responded to both surveys and their data was included in the analysis. We conducted descriptive quantitative analysis for multiple choice and Likert scale items; qualitative data was analyzed for themes. Findings: Participants represented 8 countries and a range of organizations. Participants appreciated the structure of the networking session; all participants agreed that they met someone from a different country and most indicated they had plans to collaborate with a new connection. When asked if the event strengthened their network and if they will keep in touch with new people, most participants strongly agreed or agreed in both surveys. However, after the follow-up, participants noted challenges in sustaining connections including lack of follow-up and misaligned expectations of networks. Conclusions: The virtual networking event brought together women in global health from diverse backgrounds. This study found that while networking events can be impactful in enhancing professional networks, ensuring sustained connections remains a challenge. This study also suggests that measures to increase the depth and meaningfulness of these connections in a virtual setting and enabling post-event collaboration can help networks become more inclusive and sustainable.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of a Virtual Networking Event for Emerging Women Leaders in Global Health

Iyengar

Ehrlich

Chung

et al. 2022

Annals of Global Health

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“…The pandemic highlighted the importance of holistic health and human connection, as well as that of novel means of communication such as art as a conduit to well-being [ 10 - 12 ]. In addition to a classic open call for scientific and programmatic abstracts, we introduced a call for visual art pieces from Foundation patients and staff to incorporate the epistemological processes of artistic creativity and the logical processes of scientific research in the Symposium.…”

Section: The Healing Power Of Artmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increasing access to a global health conference and enhancing research capacity: Using an interdisciplinary approach and virtual spaces in an international community of practice

et al. 2022

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Exploring the challenges and hidden opportunities of hosting a virtual innovation competition in the time of COVID-19

Cited by 2 publications

References 6 publications

Evaluation of a Virtual Networking Event for Emerging Women Leaders in Global Health

Evaluation of a Virtual Networking Event for Emerging Women Leaders in Global Health

Increasing access to a global health conference and enhancing research capacity: Using an interdisciplinary approach and virtual spaces in an international community of practice

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