Iranian and British researchers and scholars held academic discussions on public health at a joint workshop organized by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in Kish Island, February 20-23.
The conference which hosted participants from seven UK and five Iranian universities, centered on the theme of ‘Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Health’.
Officials from the World Health Organization, World AIDS Campaign, and Wellcome Trust Biochemical Research Charity as well as representatives from the ‘The Lancet’ medical journal were among the participants.
Experts also discussed disease control techniques, moderating symptoms of chronic illnesses, epidemiology, ethical principles in medicine and financial/human resources in the context of public hygiene, given the huge number of homeless people and poor hygiene in several Asian countries.
The objective of the workshop was to facilitate mutual sharing of knowledge and building links for future collaboration. In addition to specialist sessions on the main focus of SDGs in healthcare, participants also had an opportunity to attend sessions on the process of conducting research. These included: how to find and apply for research grants, mixed methods and inter-disciplinary research, research governance, engaging with policy-makers and communities, and research dissemination.
Dr. Sarah Hawkes from UCL Global Governance Institute told IRNA that the world “is facing unprecedented health challenges and such cooperative programs provide great opportunities to help tackle them.”
She hoped that the workshop had provided an opportunity for young researchers to share their experience in dealing with health issues. Hawkes also called for continuity in bilateral relations between British and Iranian universities.
The workshop was held as part of the British Council Researcher Links scheme, University College London, in partnership with TUMS.
