Research Readiness Assessment

The Rationale for a Research Readiness Assessment Tool

Greetings from the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).

APHRC is conducting a research readiness assessment of African institutions through its flagship program Catalyze Impact Initiative. This assessment aims to identify research capacity, strengths, and weaknesses within institutions for possible collaboration on capacity strengthening and research matching with donors, researchers, and other institutions.

Why take the survey?

The Research Readiness Assessment Tool was developed to collect information important to the research process. It evaluates institutional research preparedness (human resources, infrastructure, institutional networks, prior research, etc.) and is intended to facilitate internal discussion on institutional capacity-building requirements, as well as allowing external stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of an institution. The assessment findings provide a roadmap for conducting high-quality research.

Respondents may be required to upload supplemental documents, e.g., the Principal Investigator's CV. To make the process easier, we recommend that you have these documents available and ready before self-administering this questionnaire.

Please reach out to info.catalyzeintiative@aphrc.org if you have any further questions.

Demographics Data

Introduction to the Demographic Section

The Demographic Section of this survey plays a crucial role in helping us gain a comprehensive understanding of the participants' backgrounds and characteristics. It enables us to collect valuable information that can shed light on the diverse perspectives and needs of our survey respondents. In this section, we will ask you a series of questions related to your demographic details. Your responses will be kept strictly confidential and used solely for research and analytical purposes.

Demographic information is essential because it allows us to:

Tailor Services: Understanding your demographics helps us, donors, and collaborators customize services and resources to better meet your specific needs.

Ensure Inclusivity: We aim to ensure that our survey is inclusive and representative of a diverse range of institutions. Your demographic information assists us in achieving this goal.

Research Analysis: Demographic data aids in the analysis of survey results, enabling the research community to draw meaningful insights and make data-driven decisions.

What is your full name?*

What is your gender ?*

MaleFemaleI don't know

Please state your work experience (in years)

, What is the name of your institution?*

In which city/town in is located?*

Indicate the nearest city/town if it is missing in the list

Select the country in which is located*

Does have an official health research policy?

YesNoI don't Know

, Please provide your contact phone number or the institution's contact (phone number)*

Please include country code e.g +234*********

Please provide your personal email address*

Respondent email address e.g. johndoe@gmail.com

What is your position at ?*

Please provide the email address for *

University/Institution email address - e.g. info@aphrc.org

Institutional Website

In this section, we seek to understand the significance of your institution's website, recognizing it as the primary window through which stakeholders perceive and engage with your organization. In today's digital landscape, a well-crafted website is the first point of contact, shaping the initial impression and representing your institution's mission and activities. By examining your website, we can gain valuable insights into your online visibility and impact, allowing us to work collaboratively on strategies to enhance your institution's digital presence and engagement with a broader audience.

Does have a website?*

YesNoI don't know

Institutional Type

This section is designed to provide a comprehensive view of your institution's type and the structure of research organization and management. This information is of paramount importance for stakeholders as it offers a clear understanding of your institution's focus and how research initiatives are structured and managed within the organization. It allows stakeholders to grasp the institutional context and the mechanisms in place to drive research efforts, facilitating a more informed and meaningful engagement with your institution's goals and objectives.

What type of institution is ?

UniversityResearch InstituteOther (Specify)

Institutional Research Areas

This section has questions on the area of research, departments that conduct most research, and the main type of research the departments conducting a lot of research.

Start by selecting the area where the data applies depending on how well you know the information. Please select "the whole university/research institution" if you know information about the whole institution otherwise select a smaller unit e.g department, faculty, school, etc.

International Certification

In this section, we aim to determine if your institution holds any international certifications. These certifications serve as a powerful signal to potential collaborators, indicating the level of quality and excellence in the work undertaken by your institution. They are a testament to your institution's commitment to meeting global standards and best practices, and they can significantly enhance your institution's credibility and attractiveness to international partners and collaborators.

Information requested in this section applies to the whole of

Does have any international certification?

YesNoI don't know

Institution Research Infrastructure

This section is focused on identifying whether your institution maintains research labs and libraries. Research labs are pivotal for scientific exploration and innovation, while libraries are essential repositories of knowledge. They play a fundamental role in providing resources, conducting research, and advancing academic excellence. In a subsequent section, we will delve into the specifics, categorizing and classifying the types of research labs your institution houses, offering a more detailed understanding of your research infrastructure

Information requested in this section applies to the whole of

Does have the following research Infrastructure?*

Laboratory (Any type of laboratory)Library (Either online or physical)None of the above

Does the have a center for pandemic preparedness and response?

YesNoI don't know

Does the have a research advisory on the pandemic?

YesNoI don't know

Does the have a COVID-19 and related pandemic testing laboratory?

YesNoI don't know

Institutional Research Outputs

In this section, we aim to gauge the level of research output, specifically in terms of journal articles published by your institution. Research output in the form of published journal articles is a significant indicator of an institution's scholarly contributions and the dissemination of knowledge. Understanding the volume and quality of these publications is crucial for stakeholders to assess your institution's impact on the academic and research community.

Information requested in this section applies to the whole of In this section, we aim to gauge the level of research output, specifically in terms of journal articles published by your institution. Research output in the form of published journal articles is a significant indicator of an institution's scholarly contributions and the dissemination of knowledge. Understanding the volume and quality of these publications is crucial for stakeholders to assess your institution's impact on the academic and research community.

Information requested in this section applies to the whole of

Has staff published peer-reviewed publication (s) last year *

YesNoI don't know

Institution Areas of Research

In this section, we focus on identifying the specific areas of research that your institution is engaged in. This information serves as a guiding beacon for stakeholders and potential collaborators when seeking partnerships. A clear understanding of your institution's research focus areas enables informed decision-making and fosters more targeted and fruitful collaborations. It ensures that partnerships align with your institution's expertise, allowing for more effective and impactful joint endeavors.

Information requested in this section applies to the whole of

Does conduct implementation research?

YesNoI don't know

Human Resource

In this section, our objective is to delve deeper into gathering comprehensive information regarding the human resources dedicated to research within your institution. We aim to understand the expertise, qualifications, and roles of individuals involved in research activities. This data provides invaluable insights into the capabilities and strengths of your research team, facilitating better-informed collaborations and partnerships with stakeholders interested in research initiatives.

Information requested in this section includes; Information on principal investigator(s) and the number of male and female staff. You will be required to upload the curriculum vitae of at most three principal investigators towards the end of the survey.

Please start by selecting the level you have the most information on. Selecting " University/research institutions" means that the information provided is for the whole university/research institution

Do you have a Principal Investigator (s) in the ?*

YesNoI don't know

What is the highest attained qualification level of the principal investigator(s) ? (Please provide information for at least one principal investigator and at most three)

Institutional Experience

In this section, we focus on gathering essential Institutional Experience Information. We request details about peer-reviewed publications, the presence of early career researchers, and the inclusion of minority groups within your institution's research endeavors. This information is pivotal in providing a comprehensive view of your institution's research landscape. It allows us to gauge the level of experience, diversity, and inclusivity in your research community, which, in turn, informs potential stakeholders, collaborators, and partners about your institution's expertise, growth potential, and commitment to inclusivity and excellence in research.

Information requested in this section includes information on peer-reviewed publications, early career researchers, and minority groups.

Please start by selecting the level you have the most information on. Selecting " University/research institutions" means that the information provided is for the whole university/research institution

Does have digital access/subscription to journal repositories?*

YesNoI don't know

Does have established electronic management systems for research data management and archiving?

YesNoI don't Know

Does have a journal (s)?

YesNoI don't know

Laboratory Infrastructure

In this section, we focus on gathering in-depth Laboratory Infrastructure Information, which includes details about the laboratory's physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, standard operating procedures, and maintenance and repair processes for laboratory equipment. This information is crucial in assessing the depth and quality of your institution's laboratory facilities. It allows us to understand the level of sophistication and compliance with best practices, ensuring that your research infrastructure is well-equipped and properly maintained. This in-depth data aids in making informed decisions, forming research collaborations and further enhancing the quality and efficiency of research activities.

Information requested in this section includes information on a laboratory level, special equipment, standard operating procedures, and repairs for laboratory equipment

This information requested is at the institutional level

Institutional Arrangement

In this section, we focus on examining the institutional arrangements that are instrumental in supporting and ensuring the quality of research within your institution. We request information on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), procurement processes, gender inclusivity, support for early career researchers, equity measures, ethical review protocols, and data protection arrangements. These aspects are pivotal in establishing a conducive and responsible research environment, enabling your institution to uphold the highest standards of research ethics, quality, and inclusivity. Understanding the institutional arrangements in place helps stakeholders and collaborators appreciate the foundation of excellence and integrity upon which your research activities are built.

Are there visible guidelines or standard operating protocols (SOPs) for quality assurance procedures (internal and/or external)? That are observed by the principal investigator(s)?*

YesNo

Does have a gender policy?

YesNoI don't know

Is there a law/policy establishing an institutional ethics review committee at ? *

YesNoI don't know

Does have a research integrity officer or equivalent?

YesNoI don't know

Does have a data protection policy? *

YesNoI don't know

Project Management

In this section, we seek to gather in-depth information regarding the actual project management processes for research projects within your institution. We aim to understand the level of experience of project managers for effective management of research initiatives. This data is invaluable in assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of project management practices, which, in turn, informs potential stakeholders and collaborators about your institution's ability to deliver high-quality research outcomes in a structured and organized manner.

Policy Engagement

In this section, our focus is to gain insights into the level of engagement your institution has in terms of policy and advocacy. Recognizing the pivotal role that research institutions play in influencing policy and having a broader impact on local and global landscapes, we aim to understand the extent to which your institution is involved in shaping policies, advocating for change, and providing valuable data and insights to policymakers. This data helps us assess the institution's reach and effectiveness in driving positive societal and governmental transformations, ensuring that research has a meaningful and lasting impact on the community and beyond.

Does have a person responsible for ensuring research uptake by policymakers?*

YesNoI don't know

To what extent do you agree with this statement: Research evidence is important for informing policy decisions.*

Strongly AgreeAgreeDisagreeStrongly Disagree

What strategies or approaches do you currently use to engage with policymakers and communicate research evidence to them?*

Establishing a working relationship with policymakersSynthesizing evidence into knowledge productsDisseminating scientific evidence in non-technical languageParticipate in policy discussionsCollaboration with other stakeholders such as NGOs and think tanksEngaging with legislative staffProviding technical assistanceOther (specify)

Tick as many as possible

What challenges have you faced in engaging with policymakers and ensuring that research evidence is used to inform policy decisions?*

Communication barriers (policymakers do not understand technical research findings)Political polarization (policymakers who hold opposing ideological or political views)Timing of the research not matching to existing prioritiesResearch that is not relevant or priority to policymakersData quality and availabilityPolicymaker resistance to changeFunding constraintsOther (specify)

Tick as many as possible

How do you measure the impact of your engagement with policymakers in terms of informing policy decisions with research evidence?*

Conducting surveys or interviews with policymakersTracking changes in policy and legislationMonitor media coverage of policy debates and decisionsEstablishing long-term partnerships with policymakers and government agenciesEstablish metrics for measuring impact of policymaker engagementOther (specify)

Tick as many as possible

What are some of the documents that the organization produces to disseminate research recommendations to policy makers and decision makers in government?*

Please tick as many as possible

Policies

Does have a specific policy on women?

YesNoI don't know

Does have a specific policy on minority groups ( Refugees and asylum seekers, migrants, persons living with disabilities, people with language differences, disabled people, etc.)

YesNoI don't know

Does have the practice to recover indirect costs?

YesNoI don't Know

Grants

In this section, we delve into the type, size, and number of grants managed by your institution. We also aim to understand your interactions with donors, the types of accounts your institution holds, the currencies involved, and the processes for onboarding new grants. This information is critical in assessing your institution's financial and administrative capabilities in managing research grants. It provides insights into your capacity to handle diverse funding sources, financial stability, and the efficiency of your grant management processes, all of which are vital factors for potential collaborators and stakeholders to consider when engaging with your institution.

Has been managing donor grants in the past 3 years?*

YesNoI don't know

Does the institution have a patent registration office?

YesNoI don't know

Does the institute have a research commercialization office which links the public sector, the private sector, and end users?

YesNoI don't know

Staff Recognition

In this section, our objective is to gather information about the level of recognition that your staff members have received in terms of awards, prizes, medals, or any other forms of recognition. This data serves as a significant indicator of the quality and expertise of your institution's staff. It signals the achievements and contributions of your team members in their respective fields and enhances the reputation and credibility of your institution. Recognitions received by staff members are a testament to their excellence and are valuable in establishing your institution as a hub for high-caliber expertise and talent.

Has any member of the staff at received any "award", "prize", "medal", "recognition", "top" and "honorable mention" in the last three years *

YesNoI don't know

Has won any "award", "prize", "medal", "recognition", "top" and "honorable mention" in the last three years? *

YesNoI don't know

Research Readiness Assessment

Demographics Data

Institutional Website

Institutional Type

Institutional Research Areas

International Certification

Institution Research Infrastructure

Institutional Research Outputs

Institution Areas of Research

Human Resource

Institutional Experience

Laboratory Infrastructure

Institutional Arrangement

Project Management

Policy Engagement

Policies

Grants

Staff Recognition

Collaborations

Attachments