The Global Health Research Capacity Strengthening (GHR-CAPS) Program: trainees’ experiences and perspectives

Abstract

Introduction This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on how global health research (GHR) mentorship initiatives can best help prepare the next generation of GH researchers. To this end, the authors, a group of emerging researchers, share their experiences and perspectives of participating in the Global Health Research Capacity Strengthening (GHR-CAPS) program, a multidisciplinary GHR training and mentorship program in Quebec, Canada. Discussion Based on their experiences, what is deemed most beneficial is interfacing with a diverse group of peers, learning and being guided from a community of mentors, actively engaging in research activities, having mentorship specific to GH, and being financially supported, especially through bursaries. Areas were also noted to better guide and support GHR emerging researchers. These included providing more support for navigating career transitions and developing a program of research, and removing geographical restrictions to access financial resources, including bursaries and small grants which can directly support the research of students and junior researchers. Overall, the trainees felt that participation in a mentorship program like GHR-CAPS yields multiple benefits including greater academic productivity, network expansion, increased professional confidence, and enhancement of knowledge and skills. It also provides a sense of belonging to something official and important and gives visibility to trainees’ work. Conclusion There is value-added to have mentorship programs like GHR-CAPS. GHR mentorship is optimized by having multiple sources of support for trainees and by implementing diverse strategies to meet trainees’ needs and strengthen their capacity.