Research capacity building

In 1998 a group of paediatricians and clinical pharmacologists with an interest in paediatric patients collaborated to form the European Network for Drug Investigation in Children (ENDIC) (Van den Anker and Choonara, 1999). ENDIC included researchers from countries such as the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Finland, the UK and Israel. The main limitation with this initiative, however, was the absence of funding, in contrast to the US PERU Network. 

Task-force in Europe for Drug Development for the Young Network 

At the time of writing this chapter (October 2006), the EMEA is in the process of setting up an EU network of investigators and trial centres so as to facilitate the conduct of children s medicines research as proposed by the Better Medicines for Children regulation (Commission of the European Communities, 2004). 

The UK Clinical Research Network (UKCRN) was developed in the UK to support clinical research and to facilitate the conduct of randomised prospective trials of interventions and other well-designed studies. It currently supports six topic-specific clinical research networks in the fields of cancer, dementias and neurodegenerative disease, diabetes, medicines for children, mental health and stroke (UK Clinical Research Network, 2006). 

A consortium led by the University of Liverpool and Royal Liverpool Children s Hospital have established the Coordinating Centre for the Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN) (UK Medicines for Children Research Network, 2006). The MCRN aims provide a world-class health service infrastructure to support clinical paediatric research and remove barriers to its conduct. 

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Kengeya-Kayondo, J. F. 1994. Transdisciplinary Research Research Capacity Building in Developing Countries at Low Cost. Acta Tropica 57 147-152. 

Trostle, J. 1992. Research Capacity Building in International Health Definitions, Evaluations, and Strategies for Success. Social Science and Medicine 35 1321-1334. 

In P. Trifonas, M. Peters (Ed.), Derrida, deconstruction and education. London Basil Blackwell Lather, P. (2005). Scientism and scientificity in the rage for accountability A feminist deconstruction. Paper presented to the ESRC Research Capacity Building Network seminar. The Educational Future and Innovative Qualitative Research International Perspectives. Manchester Metropolitan University, February. Retrieved October 15, 2006, from http //www.coe.ohio-state.edu/plather/2000.html... 

Certainly a wise solution to contrast such a flood of absurdities is to invest in multidisciplinary research and intense demonstration, and parallel activities of capacity building with the active participation of the stakeholders. When convinced producers become the sentinels of environmental quality obvious and durable advantages on the ground of social and environmental impacts will be achieved. 

The further evolution of organic agriculture presupposes intensified education and training in all areas of knowledge and capacity building, especially when it comes to participation and the fostering of social competency. Thus, the book is positioned at the intersection of research, education and practice. 

Trostle, J. and J. Simon. 1992. Building Applied Health Research Capacity in Less-Developed Countries Problems Encountered by the ADDR Project. Social Science and Medicine 35 1379-1387. 

Through continued participation and success in PTs the DLs have reached an acknowledged level in testing. While the laboratories maintain their readiness to testing, they also continue research and methods development. Many of the DLs participate in training, seminars, and workshops, not only to increase the competence of own laboratory personnel, but also of other SP laboratories. These kinds of activities serve in skills enhancement and capacity building worldwide. 

This need for attention was recognised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). They have co-operated closely to help improve capacities by having an ASEAN component in their Global GHS Capacity Building Program, 2005-2007. Under this ASEAN component, two studies were conducted, namely ... 

This session will identify specific areas for practical co-operation in between Asia and Europe in chemicals and hazardous substances management. Discussions within each topic will be guided by common questions such as (a) what specific multilateral agreements apply (b) what kind of training/capacity-building/ education activities are involved (c) what roles do the different stakeholders (government, business, activists, research/academe) play (d) where does funding come from There will be neither speakers nor prepared presentations, rather, one or two lead discussants" to launch and moderate the discussion. 

As scientists with a passion for chemistry and a dedication to the preservation of the environment, the directors of PASTA have made an enduring commitment to provide participating laboratories with the facilities they require to establish themselves and become self sustaining into the future. We offer our support and good wishes to the emerging analytical and research / conservation talents in Afiica and hope to be involved in this exciting process of collaboration, capacity-building and conservation for many years to come. 

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