Operational research capacity building through the Structured Operational Research Training Initiative (SORT-IT) in...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Operational Research
• Capacity Building

Background:

• The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) implemented the Structured Operational Research Training Initiative (SORT IT) to enhance operational research capabilities.
• This initiative aimed to equip public health professionals with tools to support developing countries in strengthening their research capacity.

Discussion:

• The first cycle of SORT IT in China demonstrated significant success, with 92% of participant-generated manuscripts published in international journals.
• Publications covered critical areas such as malaria, influenza, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, and Japanese encephalitis.
• Participants achieved high citation counts, indicating the relevance and impact of their research.

Key Insights:

• All twelve participants successfully met the required milestones for the SORT IT program.
• The training fostered the development of potential future mentors within China's public health sector.
• Challenges included language barriers for non-native English speakers in understanding modules and academic writing.

Outlook:

• The SORT IT program in China has contributed to addressing knowledge gaps in national and international public health challenges.
• Participants are expected to apply their acquired skills, enhancing future operational research training capacity in China and similar developing nations.