UKZN’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) is taking knowledge production to a new level through their Developing Research Innovation, Localisation and Leadership (DRILL) program.
In collaboration with the Kwa-Zulu Natal Department of Health (DoH), DRILL aims to identify and nurture the next generation of South African health science research leaders. The skills these researchers develop through the DRILL program will help confront local healthcare challenges whilst keeping South Africa on the forefront of globally competitive research and innovation.
Jive Media Africa has been awarded a 4-year contract, delivering strategic communication and media support in support of the program’s goals. We have been intrinsically involved in the development of the DRILL brand, representing excellence and diversity, as well as a suite of communication tools that position the programme as a significant contributor to health research in South Africa.
Over 5 years, DRILL is to link 20 fellows with leading academics in their fields to develop and boost their existing research capabilities in the interrelated fields of HIV/AIDS, Mental Health, Health Professions’ Education, Health Systems Strengthening and Research Ethics. High-profile mentors will arm each fellow with the necessary skills to lead culturally-aware, locally-valuable research programs that respond to the needs and capacities of the healthcare environment in Kwa-Zulu Natal and wider South Africa. Our valuable science communication training further enables the fellows to share their research with the public in meaningful and engaging ways.
We look forward to supporting DRILL on this inspiring journey towards world class research leadership for South Africa, and beyond.
Sources: 1http://chs.ukzn.ac.za/News/16-07-05/DRILL_for_Research_Excellence