The University of Calgary - Qatar’s research department recently offered its knowledge and experience during a research management workshop, which was attended by a number of representatives from Hamad General Hospital and Rumailah Hospital, along with the UCQ faculty and staff.
“Getting funding to do research is only the first step. What is really important is how to conduct, develop and manage that research properly. We’ve had a fair bit of success with our research projects, so we wanted to share our knowledge and experience with our partners,” research associate dean Dr Tam Truong Donnelly explained.
UCQ has been awarded $2.8mn in research funding from the Qatar National Research Fund. Its research projects have made valuable discoveries in the area of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer screening and breastfeeding practices, and maternal-child health.
“We don’t do research by ourselves. We work with the HMC (Hamad Medical Corporation), Rumailah, Primary Health Care and other institutions and organisations in Qatar. They are already undertaking their own research or soon will be. We feel it is important to collaborate and share our expertise to ensure the success of all research projects,” Donnelly added.
HMC clinical nurse specialist Angel Garcia has been asked to submit a proposal for a research project. Finding the workshop “very helpful and timely”, Garcia said: “It has given me a very good idea as to how things are to be done. I’ve been working in clinical research for many years, but have never been involved in project management. The presentation has taught me how to manage time and think more carefully on how to plan the project.”
The workshop was facilitated by research project manager Sofia Chaudry, who advised the participants to be pro-active rather than re-active, have a risk-management plan in place and closely monitor spending.
A research grants officer, Yasmin Sivji, made a presentation on the “role of the research office in award administration”.
Plans are in the works for more workshops focusing on specific steps in the research process, such as tracking reports and finance.
Participants at the workshop listen to a speaker.
