Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR)

CTAIR is a dedicated unit under the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria.

The Center for Translation and Implementation Research (CTAIR) was established in 2018 and formed the foundation of what is now the IVAN Research Institute. This dedicated, transdisciplinary center which is
affiliated with the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, focuses on research, research training, capacity-building, research administration and management. Serving as the research coordinating hub for the Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance (NISA) and the training and capacity-building center for the ICON-3 Practice Based Research Network (ICON-3 PBRN). The ICON-3 PBRN is arguably Nigeria’s inaugural large PBRN which has CTAIR overseeing its network of 12 secondary comprehensive health facilities, 12 community centers, and 12 tertiary academic centers spanning Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions.

CTAIRs five capacity-building and skill-training platforms encompass the following:

1. Weekly Research-in-progress meetings: The Research-in-Progress (RIP) meetings are meetings at which where researchers present their ongoing work to colleagues, supervisors, and sometimes external stakeholders. These meetings provide an opportunity for researchers to share updates on their projects, discuss challenges encountered, seek feedback, and brainstorm solutions. Typically, each presenter gives a brief overview of their research progress, including any recent findings or developments, followed by a Q&A session for constructive dialogue and suggestions. RIP meetings foster collaboration, promote accountability, and facilitate the exchange of ideas within the research community, ultimately helping researchers refine their work and advance towards their goals.
2. Monthly research webinars: Held every first Monday of each month, the research webinar offer a recurring platform for scholars and professionals to delve into current research trends, methodologies, and findings within their respective fields. These sessions provide an accessible avenue for knowledge dissemination, fostering continuous learning and collaboration among participants.
3. NISA Research Week: The Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance (NISA) Research Week, spanning five days every June, showcases a dynamic speaker dyad format. This includes a distinguished guest speaker offering insights into a specific topic alongside an Investigator from IVAN, enriching the event with firsthand research experiences in a related area.

4. Annual NISA conference: The Nigerian Implementation Science Alliance (NISA) Conference, established in 2015, focuses on bridging the gap between research and practical application in real-world settings within implementation science. It gathers researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in improving the adoption, implementation, and sustainability of evidence based practices. The event provides networking opportunities for attendees to exchange experiences and establish collaborations, while also serving as a platform for researchers to present their findings and insights. With attendees from Nigeria, Africa, and globally, the conference facilitates the sharing of cutting-edge research and best practices, advancing the implementation of evidence-based interventions across various sectors such as health, education, and social services.
5. The CTAIR Scholar Program: Launched in 2020 to bolster technical and soft skill capacity for researchers at UNN and other institutional PBRN members, the CTAIR Scholar Program is a competitive initiative where researchers vie for a coveted spot. This 24-week mentored program equips scholars with essential grant writing skills, covering budgeting, project planning, proposal development, and research evaluation methods. Through hands-on learning and personalized mentorship, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the nuances essential for successful grant applications, empowering them to navigate the funding landscape and make significant contributions to their respective fields.