Abstract
Background: The MUII mentorship programme began 11 years ago with a successful group mentorship model. Over the years, the programme has evolved and is presently anchored on the “GROW” approach. This model allows individuals to: set Goals (What I want?); Reflect (Where am I now?); think of Options (What can I do?); What to implement (my actions?). It is intended to help fellows (current, honorary, alumni) herein referred to as mentees achieve their short, medium, and long-term research, career and professional goals. Methods: A mixed methods study combining a cross-sectional survey, one focus group discussion and 11 in-depth key informant interviews were carried out between November 2018 and January 2019 to 1) assess the status of the mentorship programme, 2) perform a strength weakness opportunity and threats (SWOT) analysis, and 3) identify factors relevant for sustainability. Results: An open invitation was made to 52 fellows to participate in the survey, and 23 responded. Among respondents, the largest proportions were male [70% (16/23)], and PhD fellows [35% (8/23)]. The respondents rated the fellowship experience as excellent [65% (15/23)], and most [78% (18/23)] revealed they had benefitted greatly from the programme. The SWOT analysis revealed outstanding strengths of having regular fellows’ meetings for peer support, and availability of international collaborations, linkages and exposure. Opportunities identified included large pool of mentees within MUII-plus and evidence of fellows taking up leadership positions. The biggest threat to the mentorship programme was the busy schedule of mentors. Conclusions: The MUII-plus mentorship programme has strong potential to offer research and career mentorship to its fellows. To promote sustainability of the programme, there is a need for innovative ways to engage mentors; such as digital platforms (e-mentorship) for greater mentor-mentee interactions.
Highlights
The MUII mentorship programme began 11 years ago with a successful group mentorship model
Mentorship is an integral part of capacity programmes such as MUII-plus as it promotes research interests, especially in neglected fields in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) countries such as immunology
The use of SWOT analyses and baseline surveys are always recommended for programmes, including mentorship programmes, to provide data that can assess current systems, and highlight areas for future improvement[14]
Summary
The MUII mentorship programme began 11 years ago with a successful group mentorship model. The Makerere University Research Training Programme in Infection and Immunity (MUII) programme is a collaborative capacity-building and research programme which has been supporting excellence in infection and immunity in Uganda for over 10 years. Up to 68 research fellowships have been offered, including three group leader, 15 post-doctoral (post-doc), 27 PhD and 23 Masters fellowships. These trainees have been mentored by MUII academic staff from Makerere University and Uganda Virus Research Institute, as well as faculty from MUII collaborating institutions such as University of Cambridge and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
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