HIGH IRI Highlights
Program Info & Updates
Building Bridges in African Implementation Science: The Birth of the Afri-HIGH-IRI Hub
We are delighted to share with you the highlights from the recent launch of the African HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Health Implementation Research Institute (Afri-HIGH-IRI) Hub. Hosted in Umhlanga, Durban, South Africa, on April 15th – 16th, 2024, this two-day “Train the Trainers” workshop marked a pivotal moment in the advancement of implementation science in Africa. Hosted by a consortium of leading institutions including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the University of Zambia, Washington University St. Louis, and others, the workshop brought together a diverse cohort of emerging and seasoned faculty to spearhead a new era in implementation science on the African continent.
Participants embarked on a journey to redefine the boundaries of implementation science, particularly within the African context. Facilitated by esteemed professors Elvin Geng, Mosa Moshabela, and Hikabasa Halwiindi, the event attracted approximately 32 attendees representing a rich tapestry of academic backgrounds and experiences. Moshabela mentioned that it is important to introduce the culture of implementation science in countries like South Africa because a major gap exists between policy and implementation. “We are now drawing on the scholarship of implementation science to enhance our capability and capacity to succeed in translating knowledge and evidence into practice and impact.”
Over the course of two days, participants engaged in a series of sessions designed to achieve three primary content objectives:
- Advancing Regional Careers: Recognizing the diverse pathways within the African academic landscape, discussions centered on how Afri-HIGH-IRI can best support the career development of regional talent.
- Prioritizing Training and Mentoring: Tailoring priorities and perspectives in training and mentoring to meet regional needs and leverage existing faculty assets and opportunities.
- Enhancing Methodological Expertise: Through pod-based workstreams, participants delved into high-impact projects aimed at contributing regional perspectives to the field of implementation research.
The workshop’s agenda was as ambitious as it was inspiring, with sessions covering everything from the intricacies of health systems to the integration of implementation science and mixed methods approaches. But the real magic happened in the “pods” – small groups named after trees like Marula and Acacia – where participants collaborated on high-impact projects destined to make waves in the field.
Day two featured an inspiring keynote address by Professor Elizabeth Bukusi from KEMRI, who shared insights on mentorship in implementation science within the African context. This was followed by discussions on casting the vision of the Afri-HIGH-IRI hub, with a focus on developing a mentorship culture and addressing barriers and facilitators to success.
A highlight of the workshop was a public lecture by HIGH IRI Associate Program Director and Boston College Professor Whitney Irie, who shared lessons from the United States HIV response, emphasizing the importance of innovations such as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. She also discussed HIV testing and linkage-to-care.
The journey is just beginning. With plans underway to launch the Afri-HIGH-IRI training programme in 2024/25, the stage is set for a new chapter in implementation science in Africa. Armed with a deep understanding of the importance of context and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Afri-HIGH-IRI team is poised to make waves in the global health arena.
As members of the HIGH IRI community, we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. “This was a real privilege to see this vibrant network continue to grow” said Elvin Geng, HIGH IRI Program Director. “It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to advancing healthcare for all.”
So, here’s to breaking new ground, forging new partnerships, and paving the way for a journey towards a healthier, more equitable future!
D&I Opportunities
See all of the D&I opportunities below!
2024 Grant-O-thon Grant Writing Workshop
Announcing the return of the Grant-o-thon Grant Writing Workshop from April 9th to May 14th, 2024. This interactive workshop is designed to boost the grant-writing capabilities of early-career researchers, spurring US NIH research grant applications. The workshop also serves as a platform for fostering collaboration among research teams and provides participants with an opportunity to gain mentoring experience and develop mentorship abilities in health research.
HIGH IRI Faculty Joe Tucker, Juliet Iwelunmor, and Nadia Sam-Agudu will also be guest lecturers during this workshop.
More details about the speakers and topics are available on their website. Contact yusha.tao@seshglobal.org or yusha_tao@med.unc.edu with any questions or concerns
Mark your calendars for this pre-conference session on June 9, 2024 from 9:00 – 10:30 am. HIGH IRI faculty Radhika Sundararajan and Whitney Irie will be showcasing their brilliance along with Cory Bradley of Northwestern University. Learning Objectives Include:
- Understanding the nuances of measuring acceptability in the context of HIV programs
- Exploring how acceptability measures can reflect choice architecture and structural violence
- Differentiate between desirability and tolerability in acceptability measures
- Identify alternative measures and strategies for assessing acceptability in HIV initiatives
BMC Global and Public Health – Call for Papers
BMC Global and Public Health is calling for submissions to a collection on implementation science in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Implementation science, crucial for achieving health-related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focuses on bridging the gap between evidence-based practices and their real-world application by practitioners and policymakers. This interdisciplinary approach aims to maximize the impact of evidence-informed interventions, acknowledging the contextual differences between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries. While theories and frameworks from HIC may not directly apply to LMIC contexts, there is a need to amplify insights from LMIC implementation science studies to ensure progress towards global health goals.
HIGH IRI Faculty Olakunle Alonge will be a guest editor.
Submissions are due by December 19, 2024
Job Board
Below is a list of current HIV, Infectious Disease, and Implementation Science job opportunities. Please review and share!
Emory University
Post Doctoral Fellow – Global Health
JOB DESCRIPTION: Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career. The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Appointments cannot exceed five years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues. Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.
Contact Lavanya Vasudevan at lavanya.vasudevan@emory.edu for more info.
University of Colorado
Dissemination and Implementation Scientist
JOB DESCRIPTION: The University of Colorado School of Medicine (CU SOM) seeks an experienced Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Scientist, ideally at the associate professor level, to be a core member of an active and growing D&I research, training and consultation program.
This position will be predominantly research and research methodology consulting,
although some teaching in our graduate certificate program in D&I is included. The position is open to applicants with postdoctoral PhD level training and substantial expertise in D&I science. The position will involve partnership with diverse programs, departments and
disciplines across the CU SOM, as well as other schools, community and academic partner
organizations. The position is within the D&I Science Program of the CU and Children’s Hospital Colorado Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS) and an academic home in the Department of Family Medicine or other CU SOM Department mutually determined by the candidate and home department. A specific content area of interest within the area of D&I science is not required; although we are especially interested in applicants with expertise in:
- Systems science and learning health systems;
- Dissemination science, including health communication and social marketing; or
- Health equity and alignment with areas of current ACCORDS D&I program strengths
Boston College
Research Program Manager, Social Work
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Research Program Manager’s primary role is to provide oversight for and manage the research portfolio of Dr. Whitney Irie. The Research Program Manager will:
- Ensure effective implementation of sponsored research studies;
- Train and supervise research personnel (including graduate research assistants); and
- Monitor appropriate budget spending for each project in coordination with the Assistant Director of Fiscal and Grant Administration at the Boston College School of Social Work.
The Research Program Manager will oversee the management and implementation of funded research studies led by Dr. Irie in the School of Social Work. The Research Program Manager will develop and institute procedures to ensure effective implementation of the sponsored research to meet study goals, serve as a primary liaison with research partners, train and direct graduate research assistants, and ensure timely development of research deliverables.
Contact Whitney Irie at whitney.irie@bc.edu for more info.
Faculty and Fellow Publications
See what’s being published by HIGH IRI Faculty and Fellows!