Description of the Program

A webinar on Effective Strategies of Research Application was organised by the Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Centre of Excellence for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Dr. M. G. R. Educational & Research Institute on 12^th February 2016 between 10 am to 11 am. The program was held at Anna Seminar Hall, Maduravoyal Campus. The University registrar, Head of Departments, Deputy Heads, Research faculty and Research scholars participated in the Skype Webinar.

Aim of the Program

Theultimate aim of this interactive webinar was to increase levels of innovation and research coordination that drive growth and development in all departments of our University. It is crucial to demonstrate that we deliverprogrammes and initiatives set out in this strategy.

Objective of the Program

            The objective of the program was to

·                   share expertise on effective strategies of research

·                   key features of research learning and teaching

·                   to share ideas on applied research

·                   legitimate step towards innovation

·                   discuss on avenues to develop new productsand services

About Professor Tim Schultz 

Dr Tim Schultz  has conducted systematic reviews with the Cochrane Collaboration and the Joanna Briggs Institute and worked as a researcher in evidence-based health since 2004. He is particularly interested in evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare interventions, understanding how to improve patient safety, and successful knowledge translation in clinical practice. He was the Technical Director at the Australian Patient Safety Foundation (2008-15) and holds an adjunct Research Fellow position with Joanna Briggs Institute and the School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy (University of South Australia). He also conduct lectures in Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice' and lead problem-based learning and small group discovery experience classes across the graduate courses.

Discussion   

The webinar was attended by various department heads of the University as along with the Staff Registrar. Twenty eight senior staff including teaching, non-teaching interested in research attended. The secession was very interactive and a forum of open discussion was encouraged. Dr. Rama Vaidyanathan introduced the gathering and Dr Tim Schultz  was welcomed the participants for the webinar.

Dr Tim Schultz stated that improving the research performance is an essential component of the University’s growth plan. Structuring research innovative pathway will drive competitiveness of our education, services and businesses in the global economy. It was highlighted that a large body of evidence shows that effective research strategies are more productive and faster growing. They deliver higher returns on investment and increased living standards.

 The members noted the difficulties and discussed possible leads and pragmatic and achievable deliverables and the importance of identifying the resources required to achieve these ambitions in the short, medium and longer term. The following objectives were noted and discussed: i) to seek consensus on research priorities, ii) explore and map funding opportunities from major funders and iii) map current supported projects as well as those supported by other funders and showcase outputs as exemplars.

There was a range of individuals wanting to work together with a common agenda. Head - Research and Development may be the right person to spearhead this, need to bring together molecular, cellular people, population scientists, and clinical researchers, to bring their skills together to progress the research agenda. How to achieve this is challenging. However, there are a small number of defined projects that could be badged as coming from this collaboration, though how to prosecute this over next six months may be main challenge. Dr Tim Schultz informed that he will update the research funding opportunities that might help members to engage more. The following week Dr Tim Schultz emailed Dr.Hepsibah Sharmil on the funding opportunities and she forwarded it to our University Faculty of all Departments.

Funding opportunities of University of Adelaide

The session ended with prospects in future network. The session ended with a thanks giving note by Prof Hepsibah Sharmil to everyone gathered. A feedback session was also done from which it was known that participants found the session to be useful and motivating for to interact and to share knowledge of individual expertise.

 -Dr. Hepsibah Sharmil, Social Research Scientist(Event Organizer)