Capacity building

A commitment to building local research capacity is central to the work of International HIV Research Group

 We believe that good social research relies on local understandings of social settings and cultures – the contexts in which HIV infection occurs and in which the impact of HIV is felt. Like all other aspects of the response to HIV there must be a country-led, country-owned social research response.

Strengthening institutional capacity

We work with local universities and research institutes whose local knowledge ensures the consideration of essential sociocultural and political issues. Within partner organisations, we build research, managerial and fund-raising capacity. This represents an important contribution to indigenous, long-term, sustainable social research response to the HIV epidemic in the region.  

Developing individual research capacity

Working on International HIV Research Group projects, researchers from China to Papua New Guinea have increased their personal professional capacity and prospects. In doing so the national pool of skills researchers has been enhanced. 

Case study: collaborative research and capacity development

Data collection and analysis: In partnership with the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, we trained 10 early career researchers to design and implement research and to analyse research data. These early career researchers conducted the first multi-site study of the social impacts of ART in PNG, a mixed method study of PLWHA on ART.  

Policy design based on strategic evidence: In collaboration with Igat Hope, the PNG PLWHA national body, findings from this study have been developed into recommendations to improve the treatment, care and support of people on ART in PNG.