The National Centre for Population Health & Wellbeing Research, based in Population Data Science at Swansea University, has launched an initiative to help match and connect researcher groups with a shared interest and expertise in maternal and infant health.
The Maternal and Infant Health Research Initiative (MIRIT) is open to any research groups in the UK and worldwide that carry out health and well-being-related research in maternal and infant health. MIRIT will also be an opportunity to discuss, stimulate fresh ideas and generate new collaborations.
Matchmaking process
By joining MIRIT, research groups will have access to expert matchmakers who can connect them to like-minded research groups – making it easier to find and develop the next research collaboration. The initiative will allow researchers to network and be part of a growing virtual community of health research groups across the UK and worldwide.
How to apply – an easy 3-step process
Step 1: Complete an expression of interest form.
Step 2: Once approved, you’ll be given access to the Join the Initiative Form, where you’ll be asked to provide details of your research group’s interests and expertise. You’ll also be asked to select your preferred match type:
Curated match: the team will match you to another research group based on mutual interests or complementary expertise.
Open register match: You’ll be listed anonymously on the Open Register. You can browse the register to select your own match.
Step 3: the team will put you in contact with your matched research group by email so you can arrange a convenient time to hold a joint meeting. The format of the meeting is entirely your choice. For example, you could present data, have an open discussion, or present published material in a journal club style.
Following your initial match, you can return to the matching pool anytime to continue forming new collaborations.
Dr Mohamed Mhereeg, Initiative lead at the Centre for Population Health, said: “We are excited to be launching and leading this new initiative – our matchmaking process will facilitate and advance global research collaborations with an aim to improve health and well-being outcomes for parents and infants. Furthermore, MIRIT will help to minimize the environmental impact that results from travelling to events to initiate conversations with potential collaborators”
Find out more and apply here: Maternal and Infant Health Research Initiative (MIRIT) – NCPHWR
The National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research is funded by the Welsh Government through Health and Care Research Wales.