Abstract
Various evaluative studies have been carried out to obtain the views of multiple stakeholders involved in community-based biomedical research projects. However, rarely have the viewpoints of postgraduate students and junior faculty involved in such initiatives been explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the views of postgraduate students and junior faculty at a rural-based university on the effect of a longitudinal biomedical research project on their acquisition of relevant skills. In-depth interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted. The thematic content analysis technique was used to analyse the qualitative data. Both postgraduate student and junior faculty groups indicated that they had acquired considerable research skills and knowledge; gained experience; were exposed to practical reality; and strengthened their interpersonal skills and general personal development. However, some respondents highlighted that they still believed that training in data analysis and exposure to new laboratory techniques would have strengthened their individual capabilities to conduct cutting-edge research. The results of this study highlight the need for community-based biomedical researchers to equip members of their teams with the skills and knowledge that will help them achieve their academic and career goals.
Highlights
Various evaluative studies have been conducted in different parts of the world, which aim to elicit multiple stake holder viewpoints and experiences
Experience and exposure, interpersonal skills and personal development were the themes distilled from the results of the interviews and focus group discussion
Addressed below are the expectations of postgraduate students and junior faculty regarding their participation in the biomedical community research project
Summary
Various evaluative studies have been conducted in different parts of the world, which aim to elicit multiple stake holder viewpoints and experiences Among these have been studies focused on community-based biomedical projects or programmes.[1,2,3,4] Results obtained in some of the aforementioned studies have highlighted the importance of effective engagement of study participants in projects carried out in their localities. Exploring the perspectives of postgraduate students and junior faculty might assist research project leaders to better plan similar initiatives and to take some corrective action when the need arises Studies of this nature are likely to reveal the effects of community-based biomedical research projects beyond merely generating scientific knowledge. The perspectives of postgraduate students and junior faculty on the effects of a biomedical community research project on their human capital development were explored
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
