Research and Community Service Directorate

Leading Evidence-Based Change for a Healthier Community
We are the dynamic hub for research and innovation at Menelik II Medical and Health Science College. Our directorate bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world health challenges, ensuring that our scientific inquiries lead to direct, positive impacts on our community. We manage a robust research portfolio, foster strategic partnerships, and empower a new generation of health scientists.

• Mission: To improve community health and develop exceptional healthcare leaders by generating impactful, problem-solving research and fostering compassionate, system-oriented community service.

• Vision: To be a nationally recognized model of excellence in ethical medical research and education, directly contributing to the advancement of health and well-being.
  

• Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health: Ensuring the well-being of mothers and the youngest members of our community.
• Chronic Disease Prevention & Management: Tackling the growing burden of hypertension, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases.
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support: Integrating mental wellness into public health.
• Health Systems Strengthening: Improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
• Infectious Diseases and Public Health: Addressing persistent and emerging public health threats.
• Women’s Health and Occupational Safety: Promoting health and safety across all settings.
• Drugs and Pharmaceuticals: Aims to ensure rational drug use, quality assurance, and improved access to essential health products.
• Cross-Cutting Issues: Interdisciplinary topics influencing all aspects of health and wellbeing, from technology and One Health to environment, digital health, and disaster management.

1. Research Management & Funding

We operate a competitive internal grant system designed to catalyze innovative research. Our funding categories include:

• Grand Research Projects: Large-scale studies on major public health interventions. Involving different professionals from at least three departments.
• Small-Scale Research Grants: Supporting focused, timely clinical and community-based studies.
• Special Female Research Projects: Promoting gender equity and diversity in health research.
• Small Grants for Young Researchers and PhD Students: Nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.

2. Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration

We work closely with key stakeholders, including the Addis Ababa Health Bureau, Federal Ministry of Health and the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority, to ensure our research is relevant and influential.

3. Community Service Engagement

We engage in meaningful dialogue and service, ensuring our research addresses real problems and translated into actionable benefits.

4. Our Commitment to Excellence

All research is conducted under the rigorous ethical oversight of our Institutional Research Review Committee (IRRC).

Research Administration

• Formulating research policies, strategies, and priorities.
• Administering the research process from initiation to dissemination.
• Guiding and monitoring implementation of approved projects.
• Assisting in securing external national and international funds.

Ethics and Integrity

• Overseeing the Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee (IRERC).
• Safeguarding dignity, rights, and safety of participants.

Publication and Intellectual Property

• Upholding zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct (plagiarism, fabrication).
• Managing proprietary rights to findings and intellectual property.

Community Service and Engagement

• Planning health service campaigns and urban health attachments.
• Ensuring service is integral to teaching and research.

• Proposal and Grant Management: Reviewing, endorsing, and approving research proposals.
• Research Dissemination: Organizing seminars, symposia, and workshops.
• Capacity Building: Training workshops on research methods and scientific writing.
• Partnership and Linkage: Forging partnerships with industry, government, and academic bodies.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Preparing performance reports for the senate.
• Outreach Programs: Executing health service campaigns and outreach activities.
• Quality Assurance: Evaluating the quality and relevance of research outcomes every three years.

• Accountability: Accountable to the Chief Research, Clinical and Community Service Director (CRCCSD).
• Collaboration: Works closely with the Research, Development and External Relation Committee (RDERC), School Deans, and the IRERC.