Participants of the workshop pose for a group photo.
The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, has once again stressed that a University is known for its research. This was during a one-day grant writing workshop that was held by the School of Medicine on 27th June 2023, at the Golf Hotel, Kakamega. The event, which aimed to strengthen research capacity of the faculty, brought together internal researchers and external experts from different universities across the country, to share their experiences of conducting research including writing proposals for funding, challenges they encountered and the future of research.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Shibairo challenged the researchers to invest in research just as they do in teaching. He quoted the benefits of research including increased funding for the University, improved university’s visibility and reputation hence attracting students, well experienced faculty as well as collaborators.
“We have to transform and move from just teaching to doing research,” he said, affirming the researchers that research pays and can move individuals from poverty.
Additionally, Prof. Shibairo took note of the need for more to be done on proposal writing, paper writing, networking and learning from other experts.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai confirmed that the University is working hard to foster a culture that values and promotes research besides enabling researchers to thrive and contribute to their advancement. He took note of the strong leadership commitment that has played a key role in promoting and prioritizing research in the University.
MMUST leadership together with the external facilitators.
“The Division of Planning, Research and Innovation through the goodwill of the University leadership continues to demonstrate and lead a clear vision for research. We have established funding mechanisms to support research activities including providing internal research grants, providing research training and mentorship programs to develop the skills and competencies of our researchers. We also continue to encourage collaboration with key industry partners and funding agencies,” stated Prof. Mutai, adding that these strategies are geared towards promoting a thriving research environment and incentivize researchers to pursue innovative projects in the University.
“Our School of Medicine is the youngest among the Schools in the University. It is good to see that its faculty is doing research,” said the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Student Affairs, Prof. Hussein Golicha.
The guest speaker of the event, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning, Research and Innovation of Jaramogi Odinga Oginga University of Science and Technology (JOUST), Prof. Benson Estambale, made a presentation on ‘Research in Medicine, Partnerships and Funding opportunities’. He stressed on the need for a University to have a leadership that is pro-research, saying that they play a central role in nurturing and steering the research team to embrace research as well as contribute to a vibrant research environment that helps to position the institution as a hub of innovation, knowledge creation, and societal impact.
“Fortunately for MMUST, you have a leader in form of a Vice Chancellor, who has a strong will for research and strives to provide institutional support, promote research integrity and
foster collaboration to facilitate research in the University,” said prof. Estambale. Similarly, he encouraged the participants to grow in the same spirit by developing and inculcating in themselves a research culture, patience and resilience.
“Patience and resilience will help you as researchers to navigate the challenges, uncertainties and setbacks as you seek funding and even in your research work. I encourage you to maintain your motivation, persevere through the obstacles, and endeavor to learn from your failures, for research to pay off,” he added.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning, Research and Innovation of Jaramogi Odinga Oginga University of Science and Technology (JOUST), Prof. Benson Estambale, making a presentation.
Addressing the topic of the day, the renowned professor shared his presentation which entailed the lessons learnt from award winning proposals, grant capture tips and donors’ intelligence. He advised the researchers to understand the funder's mission, goals, and funding priorities to align their proposals with the same. He also asked them to follow the instructions given by the funder in developing each proposal and to clearly articulate sustainability of the programme beyond the donor funding cycle. Further, Prof. Estambale said that putting those factors into consideration, enhances the quality and competitiveness of the funding proposals hence increasing the chances of securing the necessary resources to support the researchers’ research endeavors.
Prof. Francis Mulaa, an award-winning scientist and an Associate Professor from the University of Nairobi, also graced the event. Speaking on ‘New Frontiers in Medical Education -Reorganization and Restructuring for Research’, he emphasized on the need for a multidisciplinary approach in any curricular that the University develops. He justified the need for this shift, explaining that most of the challenges we face today, such as climate change, public health crises, technological advancements, and socioeconomic inequality, are complex and that they require multidimensional solutions.
“Move from degree courses to programmes. Reduce the number of programmes you offer; focus on a few and build research on them. I also encourage you to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in your curricular, for this will enable you to equip your students with the knowledge and skills needed to address these complex challenges by drawing upon multiple disciplines and perspectives,” said Prof. Mulaa.
Prof. Francis Mulaa, making a point during the workshop.
Further, he addressed the need for setting a good and stable foundation for learners during their early stages of education while at the same time exposing them to practices that will allow them to grow their skills. He added that this early exposure to science sets the stage for a lifelong appreciation and engagement with scientific concepts and careers in the long-term.
“Providing sufficient knowledge especially in the sciences to learners at early stages in life establishes a strong foundation, cultivates curiosity and interest, develops and propels scientific literacy and problem-solving skills, promotes scientific thinking and inquiry, encourages career exploration, and equips students to address societal challenges,” he added.
Prof. Omu Anzala, one of the founding members of KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research, advised the researchers from the MMUST’s School of Medicine to start small by identifying their area of interest and slowly grow themselves to a brand. He had an interactive, brainstorming session with the team, as he made a presentation on the various thematic areas critical for research including global health, public health and one health; which involves designing and implementing programs under a multidisciplinary approach to achieve better and harmonized public health outcomes.
Prof. Omu Anzala, one of the founding members of KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research, speaking to the participants.
Prof. Omu challenged the team to think of the local issues they can identify, pick up and do research on. “Whatever you do in research, aim at discoveries,” he stated, urging the researchers to inculcate in themselves curiosity.
Additionally, he reminded the participants of the mandate of the University, saying that their research must be responsive to the local problems facing society because it has the expertise.
Further, Prof. Anzala emphasized on the need for the University to get data in every research that they do.
“Data allows researchers to support their claims, test hypotheses, and draw meaningful conclusions based on objective observations and measurements. Without data, research would rely solely on speculation and conjecture, lacking the rigor and credibility necessary for scientific inquiry,” he explained.
Issues of research policy were addressed by Prof. Julius Manyala from JOUST, School of Spatial Planning and Natural Resource Management. He stated that we need to have research policies that fosters a vibrant and impactful research network that generates knowledge, drives innovation, and addresses the needs and aspirations of society.
A section of the participants at the workshop.
MMUST strongly recognizes that research is an integral component of any University's mission to contribute to the betterment of society and enrich the lives of its students and faculty. It is commendable that a lot of investments continue to be channeled towards our research.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Wangari Wambugu
