Promoting sustainable research partnerships: a mixed-method evaluation of a United Kingdom–Africa capacity strengthening award scheme

Abstract

BackgroundResearch partnerships between high-income countries (HICs) and low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) are a leading model in research capacity strengthening activities. Although numerous frameworks and guiding principles for effective research partnerships exist, few include the perspective of the LMIC partner. This paper draws out lessons for establishing and maintaining successful research collaborations, based on partnership dynamics, from the perspectives of both HIC and LMIC stakeholders through the evaluation of a research capacity strengthening partnership award scheme.MethodsA mixed-method retrospective evaluation approach was used. Initially, a cross-sectional survey was administered to all award holders, which focused on partnership outputs and continuation. Fifty individuals were purposively selected to participate in interviews or focus group discussions from 12 different institutions in HICs and LMICs; the sample included the research investigators, research assistants, laboratory scientists and post-doctoral students. The evaluation collected data on critical elements of research partnership dynamics such as research outputs, nature of the partnership, future plans and research capacity. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and qualitative data were analysed using an iterative framework approach.ResultsThe majority of United Kingdom and African award holders stated they would like to pursue future collaborations together. Key aspects within partnerships that appeared to influence this were; the perceived benefits of the partnership at the individual and institutional level such as publication of papers or collaborative grants; ability to influence ‘research culture’ and instigate critical thinking among mid-career researchers; previous working relationships, for example supervisor-student relationships; and equity within partnerships linked to partnership formation and experience of United Kingdom partners within LMICs. Factors which may hinder development of long term partnerships were also identified such as financial control or differing expectations of partners.ConclusionsThis paper provides evidence of what encourages international research partnerships for capacity strengthening to continue past award tenure, from the perspective of researchers in high and LMICs. Although every partnership is unique and individual experiences subjective, this paper provides extension and support of key principles and mechanisms that can contribute to successful research partnerships between researchers.

Peer-reviewed public health journals from Arabic-speaking countries: An updated snapshot

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Professional nutrition journals from Arabic‐speaking countries: A regional status

“…; Dean et al . ; Aboul‐Enein et al . ) are also important for the development of local and regional nutrition research in the Arabic‐speaking countries.…”

“…There is a need for region-specific, culturally sensitive nutrition research that is accessible to key stakeholders. While more work is required at the region level, international collaborative academic relationships (Chetwood et al 2015;Dean et al 2015;Aboul-Enein et al 2016a) are also important for the development of local and regional nutrition research in the Arabicspeaking countries. These relationships could assist in developing the infrastructure necessary to launch native Arabic-based nutrition research and journals, particularly among low-income, resource-poor Arab countries.…”

Twinning Partnership Helps to Accelerate the Performance of District Health Systems Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage

“…countries and middle/high income countries located in Europe, North America and South Africa (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). Similarly, there is ample documented evidence on prompting health behaviors through northsouth partnerships (17)(18)(19)(20).…”