Department of Community Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Glob Health Action. 2013 Aug 7;6:21643. doi: 10.3402/gha.v6i0.21643.
In Honduras, research capacity strengthening (RCS) has not received sufficient attention, but an increase in research competencies would enable local scientists to advance knowledge and contribute to national priorities, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
This project aimed at strengthening research capacity in infectious diseases in Honduras, focusing on the School of Microbiology of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). The primary objective was the creation of a research-based graduate program for the continued training of researchers. Parallel objectives included institutional strengthening and the facilitation of partnerships and networks.
Based on a multi-stakeholder consultation, an RCS workplan was designed and undertaken from 2007 to 2012. Due to unexpected adverse circumstances, the first 2 years were heavily dedicated to implementing the project's flagship, an MSc program in infectious and zoonotic diseases (MEIZ). In addition, infrastructure improvements and demand-driven continuing education opportunities were facilitated; biosafety and research ethics knowledge and practices were enhanced, and networks fostering collaborative work were created or expanded.
The project coincided with the peak of UNAH's radical administrative reform and an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Challenges notwithstanding, in September 2009, MEIZ admitted the first cohort of students, all of whom undertook MDG-related projects graduating successfully by 2012. Importantly, MEIZ has been helpful in expanding the School of Microbiology's traditional etiology-based, disciplinary model to infectious disease teaching and research. By fulfilling its objectives, the project contributed to a stronger research culture upholding safety and ethical values at the university.
The resources and strategic vision afforded by the project enhanced UNAH's overall research capacity and its potential contribution to the MDGs. Furthermore, increased research activity and the ensuing improvement in performance indicators at the prime Honduran research institution invoke the need for a national research system in Honduras.
在洪都拉斯，研究能力建设（RCS）尚未受到足够重视，但提高研究能力将使当地科学家能够推进知识进步，并为国家优先事项做出贡献，包括千年发展目标（MDGs）。
本项目旨在加强洪都拉斯传染病研究能力，重点是洪都拉斯国立自治大学（UNAH）的微生物学系。主要目标是创建一个基于研究的研究生课程，以继续培训研究人员。并行目标包括加强机构能力建设以及促进伙伴关系和网络。
基于多方利益攸关方协商，制定了 RCS 工作计划，并于 2007 年至 2012 年实施。由于意外的不利情况，前两年主要致力于实施该项目的旗舰项目，即传染病和人畜共患病理学硕士（MEIZ）课程。此外，还促进了基础设施改善和需求驱动的继续教育机会；加强了生物安全和研究伦理知识和实践，并创建或扩大了促进合作工作的网络。
该项目恰逢 UNAH 激进行政改革和史无前例的宪法危机的高峰期。尽管面临挑战，但在 2009 年 9 月，MEIZ 招收了第一批学生，他们都从事与千年发展目标相关的项目，并于 2012 年成功毕业。重要的是，MEIZ 有助于将微生物学系传统的基于病因的学科模式扩展到传染病教学和研究中。通过实现其目标，该项目为加强大学的安全和道德价值观的研究文化做出了贡献。
该项目提供的资源和战略视野增强了 UNAH 的整体研究能力及其对千年发展目标的潜在贡献。此外，洪都拉斯主要研究机构研究活动的增加及其绩效指标的改善，呼吁洪都拉斯建立国家研究系统。
