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Mentorship as an overlooked dimension of research capacity strengthening: how to embed value-driven practices in global health

Bonaconsa, C., Nampoothiri, V., Mbamalu, O. , Dlamini, S., Surendran, S., Singh, S. K., Ahmad, R. ORCID: 0000-0002-4294-7142, Holmes, A., Rasheed, M. A., Mendelson, M. & Charani, E. (2024). Mentorship as an overlooked dimension of research capacity strengthening: how to embed value-driven practices in global health. BMJ Global Health, 9(1), article number e014394. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014394

Abstract

Mentorship in global health remains an overlooked dimension of research partnerships. Commitment to effective mentorship models requires value-driven approaches. This includes having an understanding of (1) what mentorship means across different cultural and hierarchical boundaries in the health research environment, and (2) addressing entrenched power asymmetries across different aspects including funding, leadership, data and outputs, and capacity strengthening. Existing guidance towards equity and sustainability fails to inform how to navigate complex relationships which hinder effective mentorship models. We focus this perspective piece on human capacity strengthening in research partnerships through mentorship. Using a case study of a research partnership, we describe the lessons learnt and the challenges faced in the mentor mentee relationship while maintaining an effective and sustainable partnership. Human capacity strengthening must research projects and collaborations, and recognise local leadership and ownership. To be transformative and effective, practices need to be driven by common values across research teams.

Publication Type: Article
Additional Information: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Departments: School of Health & Psychological Sciences
School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Healthcare Services Research & Management
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