Session 1: Research Protocol Development: Issues of IRB

The Global Health Network Asia ran its first session on November 8, 2023. The inaugural session had a theme for the discussion "Research Protocol Development: Issues of IRB,". The objective of this session was to introduce the participants of local institutions in Bangladesh to the activities of the Research Club and to inspire institutes to implement similar initiatives. Around 50 participants from local institutes across Bangladesh attended the session, including physicians, researchers, and students. The session commenced with a comprehensive introduction to the Research Club by Md Saimul Islam, Data Science Coordinator at TGHN Asia. Dr. Aliya Naheed, Regional Lead of The Global Health Network (TGHN) Asia and Scientist at icddr,b, expertly facilitated the seminar.

                                      Participants in the Research Club session                                                       Q and A session

The highlight of the event was the interactive session, during which participants actively engaged by posing questions related to developing research protocols, covering areas such as study design, data analysis strategy, consent form, ethical issues, and potential IRB challenges. Attendees shared personal experiences in dealing with IRB processes and constructing research protocols. Encouraged by the enthusiasm and positive response, participants expressed their commitment to hosting Research Club events in their institutes supported by TGHN Asia. 

Session 2: How to develop an analytical plan

The Global Health Network Asia organized its second successful session on November 28, 2023 in icddr, b Mohakhali. The discussion was on ‘How to develop an analytical plan’. The objective of this session was to break down the basics of an analytical plan and its significance in research to the participants.

A number of participants from various local institutes across the country attended the session including physicians, researchers and students. The session was led by Dr. Aliya Naheed, Regional Lead of The Global Health Network (TGHN) Asia and Scientist at icddr,b. The participants actively engaged in a Q&A session and discussed their experiences with developing an analytical plan.

Session 3: Data analysis of basic profile of participants

The third Research Club session was held on December 7, 2023 in icddr,b in Mohakhali. The discussion was on “Data analysis of basic profile of participants”. The aim of the session was to introduce univariate and bivariate analysis along with the detailed breakdown of data analysis, data visualization and data interpretation. An enthusiastic group of participants from icddr, b and local institutes attended the session among which were physicians, statisticians and researchers. The session was facilitated by Dr. Noshin Farzana and MD Saimul Islam. The participants actively engaged in discussions and shared their personal experiences which made the session very interactive and informative. Dr. Aliya Naheed, regional lead TGHN Asia also gave her invaluable insight and guidance to the participants that significantly enhance the depth and quality of the discussion.

Session 4: Strategy of Data analysis by study design

The global health Network Asia, under its research strengthening and capacity building program, organized its fourth Research club session on December 24,2023 at icddr,b Mohakhali, under the theme of "Strategy of Data Analysis by Study Design." The event brought together a group of researchers mostly from icddr,b who are committed to advancing healthcare research in the region. The event aimed to delve into the intricacies of aligning data analysis strategies with specific study designs to enhance the precision and reliability of research outcomes. Dr. Noshin Farzana and Md. Saimul Islam, the event's facilitators, shared their thoughts on addressing the challenges presented by various study designs ranging from observational studies to Randomized Controlled Trials. Attendees engaged in lively discussions, exchanging best practices and innovative approaches to optimize data analysis processes. To dive deeper into data analysis in a more interactive way, the session ended with a practical session where the participants analyzed data using a dummy dataset accessible in SPSS format. The Global Health Network Asia continued its commitment to advancing research excellence and fostering a community dedicated to the improvement of global health outcomes.