Workshop Announcement Communicating Population and Health Research to Policymakers 17 August – 29 August, 2003 Kampala, Uganda ------------------------------------------------- SPONSORED BY MAKERERE UNIVERSITY, INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEASURE Communication, Population Reference Bureau Population and health studies, demographic surveys, censuses, and other research findings can play a key role in guiding policy and resource-allocation decisions. Yet every year, millions of dollars are spent to produce research results that fail to reach policymakers and, consequently, are not used to shape policies and programs. To help bridge the gap between researchers and policymakers, Makerere University and the Population Reference Bureau are cosponsoring a communication workshop. Sessions will help participants identify the policy implications of survey data and research findings, understand how research can influence the policy process, and communicate findings. WORKSHOP OBJECTIVE The objective of this workshop is to increase the use of research findings for the improvement of policies and programs. Specifically, participants will: ¨ identify the policy implications of their research; ¨ create a policy-level communication strategy; and ¨ develop skills for communicating with policymakers and working with the media. Each participant will have several opportunities to make oral presentations as well as written summaries in appropriate formats for policy audiences. Participants will learn how to use computer-graphics software to enhance their oral and written presentation skills. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? The workshop has been planned primarily for researchers in fields related to population and reproductive health. Program managers and others responsible for formulating and implementing population and health programs will also benefit if they have a strong background in research and data analysis. Preferably, participants should have previous computer experience. Courses are conducted in English. Participants will be required to read extensively, submit written materials, and conduct presentations in English. Each participant should bring research results or survey data that can be used to address a policy problem. Ideally, participants should address issues relevant to their own programs. To make effective use of the training, participants should have access to computer facilities at their home institutions. WORKSHOP SESSIONS The workshop will consist of a combination of plenary and small working-group sessions, emphasizing a hands-on, participatory approach. Sessions will cover four areas, each with a corresponding output: Exploring the research-to-policy gap and designing policy-relevant research Participants will examine contradictory ideas about the research process, the different roles of researchers and policymakers, and barriers to the use of research. Interactive exercises will use case studies illustrating the design of policy-relevant research and participatory approaches to the research process. Developing strategies for the communication of research results What are the key communication or advocacy objectives? Who are the primary and secondary audiences? What are the most important messages for these audiences? What are the appropriate channels for delivering the messages? And finally, what are the audiences expected to do with the information they receive? Each participant will develop a comprehensive communication strategy that answers these questions. Discussion will also cover how to identify key communication constraints and opportunities, carry out an action plan, and evaluate performance. Communicating research results through the media A comprehensive policy-communication strategy requires an understanding of how to work effectively with the media. Participants will design a media strategy to communicate their research results to policymakers through newspapers, radio, and television. Skill-building exercises will include drafting a press release and practicing interview techniques. Making oral presentations using computer graphics Because visual techniques are critical for conveying messages to any audience, the workshop provides hands-on training in computer-graphics presentations using Windows-based PowerPoint. Each participant will prepare a 10-minute oral presentation, supported by computer graphics, that communicates research findings to a selected policy audience. Presentations will be videotaped and critiqued. These sessions will introduce a step-by-step approach to organizing an effective policy presentation. APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINES Persons who wish to take part in the workshop should send the completed application forms and other application documents as soon as possible to: Dr. Freddie Ssengooba Institute of Public Health Makerere University P.O. Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda Phone +256 41 543 872/532 207 Fax + 256 41 543 888 Application material should arrive in Kampala no later than June 30, 2003 (final deadline). Fees Tuition and fees $US 1,060 Housing $US 1,064 Subsistence $US 560 Airport Taxi $US 60 Total (excluding airfare) $US 2,744 Makerere University and the Population Reference Bureau can provide tuition waivers, housing, airfare, and subsistence (full funding) to a limited number of candidates. Thus, anyone who is interested is encouraged to apply, regardless of funding status. Apart from the sponsors’ limited sources, applicants are advised to seek their own financial support from their home organizations or from national or international agencies. Copies of application materials should be submitted directly to those agencies. Evidence that support is available should be forwarded as soon as possible to the Institute of Public Health, Makerere University. Applicants who are seeking funding should go ahead and submit their application forms to meet the deadline. Information on funding can then be forwarded to Makerere University as soon as it is obtained. Interested candidates who obtain funding later than the July deadline are encouraged to submit late applications, as space may still be available for participants who are funded. Accommodations Hotel Africana is located on the outskirts of Kampala, five minutes from the city center and a 40-minute drive from Entebbe International Airport. A centenary park, discotheques, golf course, shopping areas, and many fine restaurants are just minutes from the hotel. The Global Distance Learning Center, which houses a state-of-the-art communication facility, is close to the hotel and will host the workshop’s computer-based learning activities. THE INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY The Institute of Public Health (IPH) of Makerere University has developed new programs aimed at meeting public health needs of Uganda and the Region. In 1969, the first Diploma course in Public Health in sub-Saharan Africa was offered at IPH, and a Master of Medicine in Public Health course was started in 1971 to train consultants in community health. In 1975, the Department of Preventive Medicine attained the status of an Institute in an effort to satisfy the need for training health personnel capable of providing not only curative, but also preventive and promotive services through both undergraduate and postgraduate training. The Institute offers a nine-month Advanced Diploma Course in Health Management for different middle-management health staff, and a two-year field-based and competency-oriented Master of Public Health (MPH) training program under the Public Health Schools Without Walls (PHSWOW) initiative, as well as short courses and workshops on demand. The Institute is committed to improving health for all in the widest sense and its portfolio spans all the specialties that make the discipline of the new Public Health. IPH’s mission is Striving for Excellence in Public Health Education and its vision is to create an internationally recognized center for excellence in public health education with capacity for field-oriented, demand-driven training, research, and service activities. IPH is a nonprofit organization and works closely with partners, collaborators, communities, governments, and nongovernmental organizations to fulfill its mission. THE POPULATION REFERENCE BUREAU (PRB) Founded in 1929, the Population Reference Bureau is the leader in providing timely, objective information on U.S. and international population trends. PRB informs policymakers, educators, the media, and concerned citizens working in the public interest around the world through a broad range of activities. These include publications, information services, seminars and workshops, and technical support. PRB is a nonprofit, nonadvocacy, educational organization supported by government contracts, foundation grants, individual and corporate contributions, and the sale of publications. PRB is governed by a Board of Trustees representing diverse community and professional interests and is located in Washington, DC. Contact Information Dr. Freddie Ssengooba Institute of Public Health Makerere University P.O. Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda Phone +256 41 543 872/532 207 Fax + 256 41 543 888 E-mail: IPH-2003@iph.ac.ug INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH MAKERERE UNIVERSITY POPULATION REFERENCE BUREAU MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Institute of Public Health Communicating Population and Health Research to Policymakers Workshop 17 August – 29 August, 2003 REFERENCE FORM TO BE COMPLETED BY REFEREE 1. How long have you known the applicant?__________________________________________________________ 2. How well and in what capacity do you know the applicant? ____________________________________________ 3. Please rate the applicant in terms of each of the following (one checkmark for each row): Exceptional Well above average Above average Average Below average Unable to judge Leadership Creativity Initiative Professional experience English language ability (if not a native speaker of English) Self-expression Overall intellectual ability 4. What are the applicant’s special academic/professional strengths and weaknesses? 5. What opportunities will the applicant have to apply workshop experience to ongoing activities in his or her current institution? 6. Has the applicant shown noteworthy qualities of leadership in the organization and execution of research projects or other work? If so, please cite examples. 7. Please describe one or two projects relevant to the workshop in which the applicant has participated and indicate his or her role in those projects. 8. Do you recommend the applicant for this workshop on policy communications? ٱ I Recommend highly ٱ Recommend ٱ Recommend with reservation ٱ Do not recommend 9. Any additional comments? Signature ______________________________________________________________ Date _________________________________________ Name and Position/Title (Please print.) ______________________________________________________________ Complete Mailing Address (Please include fax number and email.) ____________________________________________________________________________ MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Institute of Public Health Communicating Population and Health Research to Policymakers Workshop 17 August – 29 August, 2003 APPLICATION FORM (Please type or use block letters. Full name as stated in passport.) ٱ female ٱ male (Title) Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr. (first and other name) (FAMILY NAME IN CAPITAL LETTERS) Current position/job title_____________________________________________________________________________________ Institutional affiliation_______________________________________________________________________________________ Institutional mailing address__________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Business telephone _______________________________ ___________ ________________ Home telephone________________________________________________ Facsimile no. _______________________________ E-mail address ________________________________________________ Nearest airport ______________________________________ __________________________ Country of citizenship _____________________________ City & country of birth______________________________________ Country of legal permanent residence ____________________________________________________________ Date of birth ___________________________________ (month) (day) (year) Post-Secondary Education (Begin with most recent and include relevant short-term technical or professional training.) Dates Institution attended Major subject Degree completed Relevant work experience (Begin with most recent employment, and include all current jobs. Attach additional information on a separate page if necessary.) Dates Position/title Employer City/country (over) Describe your present duties and responsibilities, including both teaching and research, with specific emphasis on work related to the workshop: List your publications, particularly in fields relevant to the workshop. (If necessary, place on separate sheet.) Title of publication Date, where published List below any scholarships, fellowships, grants, contracts, or other awards you have received, including grants to attend international conferences, workshops, or seminars. Please specify which if any awards are current, and indicate expiration dates. One reference (form enclosed) must be submitted in support of your application. Please list below the name of the referee you have selected. Reference should be received by 30 June 2003. Name Position/institution Date you requested reference Date ____________________________________________ Signature of applicant_____________________________________ Name and title of nominating official (usually a department head or immediate supervisor) (Please print.) Signature of nominating official ______________________________________________Date __________________________ MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Institute of Public Health Communicating Population and Health Research to Policymakers Workshop 17 August – 29 August, 2003 FUNDING FORM (must be submitted with application form) PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY Name of applicant______________________________________________________________________________________________ ٱ I will be funded by the following sponsoring agency: Contact person/Title _______________________________________________________________________________________ Name of funding organization________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address __________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone __________________________________________ Facsimile no. _______________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail address __________________________________________________________________________________________ ٱ I have applied for funding from__________________________________________________________________________ (Name of funding agency—list all agencies to which you have applied) ٱ I am still seeking sponsorship and would like my application to be considered. (Please forward confirmation of funding to Makerere University upon notification from sponsor.) ٱ I will be funded by family or friends or self-funded. MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Institute of Public Health Communicating Population and Health Research to Policymakers Workshop 17 August – 29 August, 2003 ESTIMATED WORKSHOP EXPENSES: Workshop Tuition and fees $US 1,060 Housing $US 1,064 Subsistence $US 560 Airport taxi $US 60 _________ TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $US 2,744 (not including airfare) MAKERERE UNIVERSITY Institute of Public Health Communicating Population and Health Research to Policymakers Workshop 17 August – 29 August, 2003 WORKSHOP STATEMENT (must be submitted with application form) Name of Applicant_____________________________________________________ Please describe your relevant education, research, and/or work experience, and indicate how participation in the workshop will benefit your future work. (Use back and additional sheets if necessary). If you are using a word processor, you may place your entire statement on a separate sheet attached to this form. (over) Date ______________________________ Signature of applicant ________________________________________________