From January 21–24, 2025, Ifakara Health Institute coordinated a transformative PhD Supervision Training workshop in Bagamoyo. Co-funded by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) and Ifakara Health Institute, the program aimed to enhance PhD supervision and grant-writing skills among scientists from Ifakara and its collaborating partners.

This four-day workshop was designed to build capacity for high-quality postgraduate mentorship and empower researchers with the tools to secure competitive grants, ensuring the sustainability of research careers across Africa.

Comprehensive and collaborative learning

The training was facilitated by a distinguished panel of experts, including Prof. Adamson Muula (University of Malawi), Prof. Fredros Okumu (University of Glasgow, UK), Prof. Gerard Killeen (University of Cork, Ireland), Prof. Sharadhuli Kimera (Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania), Dr. John Otieno Oredo (University of Nairobi, Kenya), and Prof. Doreen Mloka (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania).

Participants engaged in dynamic sessions covering critical topics such as scientific integrity, supervision processes, equity in mentoring, and emerging challenges in postgraduate mentorship. Other discussions delved into the role of AI in academia and strategies for improving quality assurance in supervision.

Fostering impactful supervision and mentorship

A highlight of the workshop was its focus on the psychology of supervisor-supervisee relationships and the art of providing constructive feedback. Facilitators emphasized the importance of building trust, fostering open communication, and ensuring mutual respect to create productive mentorship environments.

Practical strategies were shared on how supervisors can empower students to address real-world challenges, enhancing their research capabilities and professional growth. Participants also explored techniques for mentoring graduates to secure funding for impactful research projects.

A commitment to advancing African research

The workshop’s outcomes reflect Ifakara Health Institute’s dedication to fostering research excellence in Africa. By empowering scientists with advanced supervisory and grant-writing skills, the program aims to elevate the quality of PhD graduates and maximize researchers’ competitiveness in securing funding.

This initiative underscores Ifakara’s role as a leader in building capacity for impactful research and mentorship, ensuring that African scientists are well-equipped to tackle global health challenges and drive innovation in their respective fields.