FMHS CHAMPIONS RESEARCH, ETHICS, AND INNOVATION IN HEALTH

Walter Sisulu University’s Research and Innovation Directorate has challenged researchers to produce solution-driven work that will lead to the transformation of the lives of societies and shape a better future.  

The call came at the annual Research and Innovation Day hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences last month.

The event was organised against the backdrop of skills development initiatives aimed at equipping students, academics and clinicians with necessary skills and knowledge.

Addressing the crowd, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, Professor Teke Apalata, urged attendees to measure research excellence through its impact on people’s lives.

“Research that listens to and learns from our communities is research that matters, because transformation begins when we address real challenges together with those we serve. Evidence only changes lives when it informs decisions, therefore by translating our findings into policy, we build frameworks that reshape systems and strengthen health for all,” said Apalata.

The event was one of the faculty’s many initiatives aimed at providing space for researchers and innovators to establish partnerships with experts, sharpen their presentation skills and enhance community-engaged research and innovation.

Under the day’s theme “Transforming health through community engagement, policy research and inclusive innovation”, the event put a spotlight on current innovations and community-driven approaches aimed at reshaping health systems, policy and health outcomes.

Delivering a welcoming address, Faculty Executive Dean, Professor Wezile Chitha, brought into sharp focus a need for the overhauling of the public health system.

“The performance of the health system in South Africa and in the Eastern Cape reflects evidence of serious and systematic challenges that require innovation and financially sustainable solution. The theme of the day is therefore appropriate as it captures the need to transform health, with the help of content, engagement and innovation,” said Chitha.

He added that the event reinforced the faculty’s dedication to bridging research with real-world impact, especially in addressing the pressing health challenges of the Eastern Cape.

University of Venda’s Professor of microbiology and global health, Pascal Bessong, addressed the audience about moral theories that can be used to enhance ethical conduct in research.

His address aligned with the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) which amongst others, involves holding research to high ethical standards.

“If we aspire to have traits like honesty, transparency, courage and humility, it makes us be in the forefront of ethics, even when we are not watched by the research ethics committee, instead we ourselves are driving the ethical conduct of the research,” said Bessong.

Meanwhile, Research Platform Chair of Pharmaceutical and Biotech Advancement in Africa, Professor David Katarere, encouraged innovation among staff and postgraduate students.

Students took centre stage as they presented their research in the presence of mentors, allowing for mentor-mentee engagements, challenge of ideas and even sparking new ones.

The Centre for Clinical Research Advancement, Development, Leadership and Education (CRADLE) had invited abstract submissions across categories of postgraduate students (Honours, Masters & PHD), partnerships and collaborations, innovation, technological and community engagement research.

The event was a joint partnership with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Discovery Foundation, whose contribution and support is providing funding opportunities and grants to support faculty research.

By Thandeka Mgqibi