The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) successfully conducted a three-day training workshop on knowledge translation from 11th to 13th June 2025, at its Headquarters Sub-office in Dar es Salaam. The workshop brought together 19 research scientists from NIMR Muhimbili, Mbeya, Tanga, Mabibo, and Dodoma Centres, along with participants from the Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI).

The primary objective of the training was to strengthen researchers’ capacity to translate scientific knowledge into practical policy tools. The training workshop focused on the development of policy briefs and explored effective strategies for packaging and communicating research evidence to support evidence-informed decision-making and policy formulation in Tanzania.

The training was officially opened by the Director for Research Coordination and Promotion, Dr. Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, on behalf of the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud. In opening remarks, Dr. Ntinginya encouraged researchers to embrace policy brief development as a critical outcome of their research work and reminded them that producing policy briefs is among the key criteria for career advancement at NIMR.

The training covered several thematic areas including identifying communication gaps between researchers and policy makers, defining health-related problems based on Tanzania’s National Health Research Agenda, using systematic reviews as a tool for evidence synthesis, and understanding the structure and content of effective policy briefs. Additionally, participants learned on how to present their research findings through various dissemination platforms such as policy dialogue meetings.

By the end of the workshop, participants had developed a total of 19 policy briefs, each addressing specific health issues that are aligned with national priorities.

Facilitation was provided by experts from NIMR including Dr. Elizabeth H. Shayo, Mr. Emanuel Makundi, Ms. Stella Kilima, and Dr. Marywinne Nanyaro.

Workshop participants expressed appreciation to the NIMR Management for moral and financial support, which was instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of the training.

This training is part of NIMR ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between research and policy, reinforcing the role of scientific evidence in shaping public health interventions and national development.