Mbarara University Research Ethics Education Program (MUREEP) combined efforts with Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) to offer an enriching training program focused on mentorship and career development. The training took place from July 31, 2023 to August 4, 2023 and attracted participants from various backgrounds, including Faculty members, graduate students, doctoral candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and research fellows.
The driving force behind this transformative initiative is none other than Prof. Sana Loue, a distinguished figure from the Department of Bioethics, School of Medicine, CWRU in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Her credentials include JD, PhD, MPH, MSSA, MA, and she is also proudly serving as the Co-Principal Director of MUREEP. Prof. Loue brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the program, which is expected to be an exceptional learning experience for all attendees.
Prof. Sana Loue’s dedication to empowering others in the academic and research community is evident in her support to MUREEP at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). She envisions a future where participants of this program will be equipped with the confidence and skills to become accomplished professionals and researchers in their respective fields.
Prof. Sana noted that the major gap that needed to be addressed was research mentorship, MUREEP was embarking how to gain the most from working with a mentor. She added that the strength of the participants was the enthusiasm to learn from the workshop.
The other facilitator and PI of MUREEP was Assoc. Prof. Gertrude Kiwanuka. She stated that the primary objective of the training workshop was to empower participants with the skills and tools they need to chart their career paths strategically while fostering meaningful and successful mentorship relationships for professional growth. One of the key focuses was to help participants align their individual career development plans with their core values and personal mission statements, ensuring a sense of purpose and direction in their academic pursuits.
The comprehensive training covered various aspects, including time management, emotional intelligence, mentorship, and sponsorship, all of which are vital elements in shaping successful careers in academia and research.
Participants can look forward to gaining valuable insights into managing their time efficiently, understanding the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating professional challenges, and building strong networks through mentorship and sponsorship. Said Prof. Gertrude.
As the training progresses, stories of personal growth and transformative experiences are emerging, demonstrating the tangible impact of this initiative on the lives and careers of its participants. By providing a nurturing platform for career development and mentorship, MUREEP and CWRU are contributing to the advancement of research and education worldwide.
As the training entered its final days, participants were brimming with excitement and inspiration, eager to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to their academic and professional pursuits.
At the end of the training, every attendee was awarded a certificate of participation in the five days training.
On behalf of the participants Ms. Caroline Birungi, pursuing her MSc. MPH in research ethics, thanked the facilitators for the insights about a mentor and a mentee. She workshop was timely in line with those yet to carry out research, for how best to have a work plan with their mentors, have discipline in all aspects and aim at finishing on time. She gave special acknowledgement to the PI prof. Gertrude Kiwanuka who always aims at attaining the best in everyone