Research Assistants and Administrative Assistants from the School of Medicine and Dentistry in the College of Health Sciences have been given a two-day training in research administration to equip them with the knowledge and skills to perform research administrative functions. This training is also aimed at building a cadre of research administrators in the College of Health Sciences to increase research productivity in the College.
In her welcome address, the Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Prof. Jenifer Welbeck encouraged participants to take the training seriously and apply all they would learn as that could lead to a new profession; Research Administration. She also expressed appreciation to the H3Africa Project for initiating the training.
Topics treated at the two day training were; functions and importance of the Office for Research Administration/Support, Role of a Research Administrator, Building a Supportive Environment for Research, Professional development and challenges for Research Administrators. Other topics were; Research Integrity, Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research, how to identify grant opportunities, reviewing funding opportunities, establishing collaborations.
The facilitators were Dr. Charlotte Osafo (Co-I, H3Africa Project), Ms. Isabella Rockson (Research Administrator, H3Africa), Nana Oye Yeboah (Research Development Officer, NMIMR), Ms. Griselda Annan (Administrative Assistant, NMIMR) and Mr. Fidelis Anumu (Research Development Officer, College of Health Sciences).
The training was the first of four (4) modules of trainings to be organized for Research Assistants and Administrative Assistants working in the Research Office of the College of Health Sciences and the School of Medicine and Dentistry. Participants will have a two- week practical session before the next module.
The training was funded by the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Project.