As part of its commitment to build human and institutional capacity in the realm of maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, the Jordan Nutrition Innovation Lab (JNIL), a USAID funded activity as part of Feed the Future, implements its annual Nutrition Research Designs and Methods workshop aimed at training upcoming Jordanian researchers and scientists on the rigor of research methodology.
A total of 17 Jordanian graduate students and early-to-mid career professionals working within MIYCN from across various governorates in Jordan participated in the workshop. Participants such as Manar Jaradat, a Master’s Student at the University of Jordan, were eager to enhance their skills in conceptualizing, developing, and analyzing research protocols.
“The JNIL workshop had exceeded my expectations” says Manar. “From the beginning to the end, it was planned fascinatingly.”
The workshop's innovative hybrid format seamlessly integrates online preparation with intensive in-person sessions. Participants began their learning journey online on June 30th, 2024, engaging with foundational concepts and collaborating with their peers.
This set the stage for the dynamic in-person six-day training in Aqaba, Jordan, from August 3-8, 2024, where they delved deeper into theoretical lectures, applied their knowledge in practical sessions, and received valuable guidance from experienced mentors who were available and accessible throughout the duration of the in-person workshop. The workshop was held in the South this year to offer equal opportunity to all Jordanian researchers and scientists living across the Kingdom.
This blended approach fostered a comprehensive understanding of research design and methodology in nutrition, while also encouraging networking, teamwork and skill development.
“It was a new way of learning, exchanging experiences, adhering to a healthy daily schedule of learning, achieving more, and challenging ourselves,” says Manar. “This journey changed many things for me – personally, educationally, socially, and way more.”
By the end of the workshop, participants were trained to identify research gaps through critical literature review, formulate specific research questions, and select appropriate research designs and data collection methods. They were also guided in developing a Letter of Intent and a detailed Research Plan, thereby allowing them the ability to showcase their newfound expertise the field of MIYCN research.
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Disclaimer: This blog post was made possible through support provided by Feed the Future through the U.S. Agency for International Development under the terms of Cooperative Agreement Associate Award No. 72027820LA00003. The contents are the responsibility of the Jordan Nutrition Innovation Lab at Tufts University and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
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