The overall objective of the training program, Enhancing Qualitative Understanding of Illness Processes and Prevention (EQUIPP), is to prepare new investigators, postdoctoral, doctoral and masters trainees to be leaders in Canada and globally with the highest level of skill in qualitative and mixed method transdisciplinary health research.
This objective will be accomplished by 1) enhancing our already developed superior training and mentoring environment; 2) supporting collaboration between trainees and mentors, including those leading transdisciplinary research teams; and 3) providing meaningful training in the ethical conduct of qualitative and mixed method research, facilitating translation of qualitative knowledge, and enhancing professional skills development.
From the outset of the program, qualitative methodologies will be explored and learned in the context of health care research, as faculty with international reputations work closely with trainees. Initial learning environments include courses, seminars, lectures, informal discussions, and international conferences. The hands-on emphasis continues into the Research Residency, where trainees are matched by mutual interest with EQUIPP mentors across Canada, and internationally, with whom they will work on data collection and analysis related to the mentor's current health-related research project. Throughout this program, the emphasis is on learning by doing. Research experiences include research residencies, laboratory training, and the opportunity to address clinical problems on-site, acquiring research competencies and transferring knowledge into practice. International conferences and qualitative journals will be sources for dissemination of findings.
The objectives of the CIHR Training Grant are to:
1. Support the development of training programs that improve the mentoring and training environment for health researchers.
2. Support the development of collaborative, team research by bringing researchers together from different disciplines to address major health issues and/or health research challenges.
3. Support the development of well-rounded health researchers by integrating training on (a) the ethical conduct of research and related ethical issues; (b) knowledge translation; and (c) professional skills such as communication, teamwork, project management, leadership, grant writing and peer review.