The Academy of Medical Sciences convened a two-day workshop on 3-4 July on strengthening clinical research capacity in low and middle income countries (LMICs), jointly with the InterAcademy Partnership for Health.
Whilst research plays an important role in improving health in a country, most of clinical research is designed and conducted in high-income countries. Lack of expertise and shortage of staff in clinical and research-related areas can impose some of the biggest limitations for LMICs to develop their own research programmes.
This workshop, chaired by Professor Malcolm Molyneaux OBE FMedSci and Professor Rajae El Aouad, brought together experts and evidence to examine the current clinical research capacity in LMICs and to identify barriers and challenges for having an adequate supply of clinical researchers and other research experts. It brought together participants from 25 different LMICs from Africa, Asia and South and Central America.
Workshop participants identified the following key points to improve clinical research capacity in LMICs:
- Improved clinical research mentoring opportunities, both institutionally and individually
- Academy networks that can offer learning and support opportunities
- Support for LMICs to define their own clinical research agendas
- Strengthened national and regional networks
- Increased health research funding from national governments
- Advocacy and research diplomacy to demonstrate the impact of clinical research
- Improved career pathways for clinical researchers in LMICs
A full report of the workshop will summarise the discussions and outline next steps. When complete, the report will be disseminated to delegates and relevant stakeholders in their respective countries and regions.
The event was funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund as part of its goal to support cutting-edge research that addresses the challenges faced by developing countries. Visit our GCRF webpage to read more about the fund.