Identifying target groups

• Local experts: identified by scoping documents from MoH, Universities and other relevant local research institutes
• Research groups within research consortia

Defining the call criteria related to proposal content and format

• Choose a theme/topic
• Proposed workshop training should be relevant to public health and aimed at improving research skills (for example, academic writing, funding proposal submission, implementation of public policies and public engagement)
• Workshop Design: highly interactive format with practical activities and tasks in groups
• Target: academics, researchers, health professionals, laboratory staff and/or students
• Collaborative proposals involving more than one research group or institution were encouraged

Format:

• English or local language
• 1,500-word limit to describe the programme proposal
• Submissions made to a central email account

Call dissemination

• An email was sent to the identified target groups with the call information and the application form
• A 2.5 week-period was given to submit proposals
• Reminder emails sent 5 and 2 days before the deadline. Download email templates

Selection of proposals

• Submissions were scored by a panel according to pre-determined criteria. Download scoring system
• Compatibility with the Network's goals
• Proponent capacity building experience
• Proponent research expertise
• Basic host site infrastructure for training activities
• Target audience and date
• Only proposals with a minimum score of 50% across all criteria were considered
• Proponents were informed of the selection outcome within 2 weeks from the deadline. Download email templates