JOKAP-ECAJS Author Training Program
As part of our commitment to advancing high-quality, ethical, and impactful medical research across Kenya and the African region, the Journal of the Kenya Association of Physicians (JOKAP) and the East and Central African Journal of Surgery (ECAJS)—with support from EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) and in partnership with International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (Standing Committee on Research Exchange), Medical Students’ Association of Kenya, Medical Laboratory Students’ Association and Xyzedizedi—are proud to offer a CPD-accredited author training program.
This initiative is tailored for early-career researchers, clinicians new to publishing, and undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students, as well as experienced authors looking to sharpen their research and publishing skills.
Program
Start Date: 28th July, 2025
Format: Virtual sessions via Zoom at 7:00pm EAT
Duration: 4 weeks (biweekly 90-minute sessions)
Facilitators: Leading academics, editors, and journal reviewers from across Africa and beyond
This training series focuses on understanding the research process, from conceptualization to manuscript preparation. View the full training program here.
Learning Outcome
By the end of this training, participants should be able to conceptualize a research project, conduct an original research, manage data, develop and submit scientifically sound manuscripts for publication.
Registration
Registration is currently closed.
For inquiries or suggestions, please contact the Editorial Office at editor@kapjournal.com
Session 1: Introduction to the Program
Date: Monday, 28th July, 2025
Facilitator: Dr. Vincent Kipkorir
Speaker: Dr. Paul Bundi Karau, Dr. Robert Parker
This session launched the author training series with a warm welcome and introduction to the training program. Participants were taken through the course outline, certification criteria, and the importance of research engagement in the African context.
Assignment: Complete the pre-course evaluation.
Watch the recording below.
Session 2: Research Conceptualization
Date: Thursday, 31st July, 2025
Facilitator: Khulud Nurani
Speaker: Gloria Natalia
This session guided participants through the process of generating and refining research ideas. It covered how to formulate strong research questions, the key characteristics of a good study question, and the steps involved in writing a concept paper.
Assignment: Develop a research question and write a brief concept paper.
Watch the recording below.
Session 3: Introduction to Study Designs
Date: Monday,4th August, 2025
Facilitator: Khulud Nurani
Speaker: Dr. Robert Parker
This session introduced participants to the fundamental principles of epidemiologic study designs. It explored both descriptive and analytic study designs, highlighting their applications and place within the evidence hierarchy.
Assignment: Look through the literature for papers published on your topic of interest, read the methodology sections and identify the study design used. Continue until you have found at least one paper for each major study design to help you understand how they are implemented in practice.
Watch the recording below.
Session 4: Descriptive Study Designs
Date: Thursday, 7th August, 2025
Facilitator: Samwel Mwenda
Speaker: Gloria Natalia
This session focused on defining and characterizing descriptive study designs, with emphasis on their role in summarizing and presenting data without making causal inferences. The discussion also examined the strengths and limitations of these designs, as well as scenarios where they are most applicable in research.
Assignment: Design a short descriptive study that outlines the scope and characteristics of your research question.
Watch the recording below.
Session 5: Experimental Study Designs
Date: Monday, 11th August, 2025
Facilitator: Samwel Mwenda
Speaker: Gloria Natalia
This session introduced the fundamental concepts of experimental study designs, highlighting their structured approach to establishing causality. Participants learned to identify core elements such as randomization, control groups, and blinding. The session distinguished between different types of experimental designs, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs. Attention was given to the principles of internal and external validity, ensuring that findings are both reliable and generalizable.
Assignment: Design a brief experimental study to test its effectiveness in answering your research question.
Watch the recording below.
Session 6: Literature Search and Reference Management using Citation Managers
Date: Thursday, 14th August, 2025
Facilitator: Gloria Natalia
Speaker: Khulud Nurani
This session emphasized the importance of effective literature searching as a foundation for evidence-based public health and academic publishing. Participants were introduced to key databases and search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for systematic and targeted searches. The session also covered how to develop structured search strategies using Boolean operators, MeSH terms, truncation, and filters to improve precision and comprehensiveness. In addition, participants were introduced to citation managers, with a focus on Zotero, to streamline reference management and ensure accurate citation practices.
Assignment: Create a structured search strategy using your topic of interest and run it on PubMed. Install Zotero and attempt to generate in-text citations and a bibliography.
Watch the recording below.
Session 7: How to Write a Research Proposal (Part 1: Introduction and Literature Review)
Date: Monday, 18th August, 2025
Facilitator: Khulud Nurani
Speaker: Dr. Jeremiah Munguti
This session introduced participants to the foundational elements of writing a research proposal, with a focus on the introduction and literature review sections. The structure of a research proposal was outlined, emphasizing clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Participants learned how to craft an effective introduction that establishes context, highlights the research problem, and defines the study’s significance. The session also covered approaches to conducting a literature review, synthesizing findings, and organizing them into a structured narrative that supports the research rationale.
Assignment: Write the introduction and literature review section of your research idea, building from the concept paper drafted earlier.
Watch the recording below.
Session 8: How to Write a Research Proposal (Part 2: Methods)
Date: Thursday, 21st August, 2025
Facilitator: Khulud Nurani
Speaker: Dr. Jeremiah Munguti
This session focused on the methods section of a research proposal, which forms the backbone of any study. Participants were introduced to the key elements that constitute a well-structured methods section, including study design, setting, participants, sampling strategy, and ethical considerations. Emphasis was placed on sample size calculation, with practical insights on how to determine an adequate sample for validity and generalizability. The session also highlighted the development of data collection tools such as questionnaires, emphasizing reliability and validity in instrument design. Additionally, the discussion covered potential sources of bias and confounding, and strategies to minimize them, ensuring methodological rigor and credibility of research findings.
Assignment: Write the methods section of your research proposal, incorporating study design, sample size, data collection tools, and strategies to address bias and confounding.
Watch the recording below.
Session 9: Research Ethics
Date: Monday, 25th August, 2025
Facilitator: Gloria Natalia
Speaker: Dr. Godfrey Sama
This session provided participants with an overview of the ethical considerations that guide responsible research conduct. It emphasized the importance of protecting human participants, maintaining integrity, and ensuring that studies contribute meaningfully without causing harm. Focus was on the core principles of research ethics, including respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Practical guidance was given on how to prepare and submit essential ethics documents such as informed consent forms, participant information sheets, and study protocols. The session also addressed the link between ethical compliance and study quality, underscoring how rigorous ethical practices enhance the credibility, acceptability, and impact of research.
Assignment: Complete the full draft of your research proposal, integrating ethical considerations and required documentation.
Watch the recording below.
Session 10: Introduction to Data Management
Date: Thursday, 28th August, 2025
Facilitator: Khulud Nurani
Speaker: Samwel Mwenda
This session introduced participants to the fundamentals of data management, with a focus on preparing for analysis. Participants learned how to identify and classify different types of variables (categorical, continuous, ordinal, etc.), which is a critical step in selecting appropriate statistical tests. The session also provided an overview of types of analysis—descriptive and inferential—highlighting how each is applied in research contexts. Additionally, participants were introduced to research software such as SPSS, with practical resources shared on how to input, manage, and analyze data. The session underscored the importance of clean, well-structured datasets in ensuring valid and reliable results.
Assignment: Develop a dummy data sheet, classify the variables, and practice importing and managing the dataset in SPSS.
Watch the recording below.
Session 11: Data Analysis (Part 1: Descriptive Analysis)
Date: Monday, 1st September, 2025
Facilitator: Samwel Mwenda
Speaker: Dr. Isaac Cheruiyot
This session focused on descriptive analysis as the first step in summarizing and understanding research data. Participants learned how to run descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and measures of variability (range, standard deviation). The session emphasized the role of descriptive analysis in providing a clear overview of the dataset and setting the stage for further inferential analysis. Practical demonstrations were provided on how to perform these analyses using SPSS, allowing participants to see how raw data can be transformed into meaningful summaries.
Assignment: Apply descriptive analysis techniques to your dummy dataset in SPSS and summarize your findings.
Watch the recording below.
Session 12: Data Analysis (Part 2: Analytic Analysis)
Date: Monday, 8th September, 2025
Facilitator: Samwel Mwenda
Speaker: Dr. Isaac Cheruiyot
This session introduced participants to analytic analysis, focusing on hypothesis testing and statistical inference. The concept of formulating and testing hypotheses was explained, including the roles of null and alternative hypotheses. Participants were introduced to common statistical tests of association for both quantitative and qualitative variables, such as t-tests, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses. The session also emphasized the correct interpretation of key statistical outputs, including p-values, effect sizes, and confidence intervals, and how these guide conclusions in research.
Assignment: Apply hypothesis testing and a relevant test of association to your dataset in SPSS, and interpret the output in terms of p-values and confidence intervals.
Watch the recording below.
Session 13: Practical Support Session on Conducting Analytic Analysis
Date: Thursday, 11th September, 2025
Facilitator: Samwel Mwenda
This session was a hands on practical on conducting analytical analysis.
Watch the recording below.
Session 14: How to Prepare the Results Section
Date: Monday, 15th September, 2025
Facilitator: Gloria Natalia
Speaker: Dr. Mumba Chalwe
This session focused on the purpose, structure, and best practices for writing the results section of a research paper. Participants were introduced to the role of the results section in presenting findings without interpretation, ensuring that the reader clearly understands the outcomes of the study. The session emphasized effective data presentation techniques, including the use of tables, figures, and graphs, with guidance on when and how to use each format. Attention was given to principles of clarity, conciseness, and objectivity, helping participants avoid redundancy, ambiguity, and unnecessary elaboration.
Assignment: Revise a poorly written or overly verbose excerpt from a hypothetical results section, applying the principles of clarity, conciseness, and objective data presentation.
Watch the recording below.
Session 15: How to Write a Discussion
Date: Thursday, 18th September, 2025
Facilitator: Khulud Nurani
Speaker: Dr. Mumba Chalwe
This session explored the discussion section of a research paper, emphasizing its role in interpreting and contextualizing findings. Participants learned the purpose and structure of the discussion, including how to restate key results, relate them to existing literature, and explain their significance. The session highlighted strategies for balancing interpretation with evidence, ensuring that claims are supported by data and prior studies. It also covered how to acknowledge study limitations, propose implications for practice or policy, and suggest directions for future research.
Assignment: Using the results refined in the previous section, write one paragraph for the discussion section that interprets the main finding, relates it to existing literature (hypothetically), and briefly outlines its implications.
Watch the recording below.
Session 16: Manuscript Preparation
Date: Monday, 22nd September, 2025
Facilitator: Samwel Mwenda
Speaker: Dr. Michael Mwachiro
This session guided participants through the workflow of preparing a manuscript for publication. The process was broken down into stages including drafting, revising, formatting, and finalizing for submission. Participants were introduced to strategies for identifying suitable journals, with emphasis on aligning manuscript scope, audience, and format requirements with the journal’s aims. The importance of carefully adhering to journal submission guidelines was highlighted, as failure to do so is a common reason for desk rejections. The session also emphasized ethical publishing practices, including transparency, avoiding plagiarism, appropriate attribution, and responsible authorship.
Assignment: Identify a research topic (either hypothetical or current). Based on this topic, select two suitable target journals and create a pre-submission checklist for one of them.
Watch the recording below.
Session 17: Peer Review Process
Date: Thursday, 25th September 2025
Facilitator: Samwel Mwenda
Speaker: Dr. Robert Parker
This session unpacked the peer review process, highlighting its role in safeguarding scientific quality and credibility. Participants first explored why peer review is necessary, including how it ensures rigor, identifies errors, and improves manuscripts. The session outlined the responsibilities of editors and reviewers, explaining how they assess manuscripts for originality, methodological rigor, and alignment with journal scope. Guidance was also given on how authors should respond to reviewer feedback constructively, distinguishing between major and minor revisions. Finally, participants learned about the different types of editorial decisions—acceptance, revision, or rejection—and the key factors that influence these outcomes.
Assignment: Review the peer review process of three journals of your choice, noting similarities, differences, and unique requirements.
Watch the recording below.
Session 18 & 19: Post-Publication Strategies & Building a Researcher's Profile
Date: Monday, 29th September 2025
Facilitator: Gloria Natalia
Speaker: Dr. Vincent Kipkorir
This dual session focused on the the importance of post-publication strategies in extending the reach and the impact of research beyond publication. Participants were guided through why dissemination is a critical step in ensuring that findings inform practice, policy, and further research. Various dissemination channels were discussed, including academic platforms, conferences, institutional repositories, media engagement, and social media. The session also covered ways to measure research impact using citations, altmetrics, and other indicators, while highlighting strategies to enhance visibility and engagement with diverse audiences. The second part focused on developing and maintaining a strong researcher profile to support academic growth and professional visibility. It covered the key components of a compelling profile—such as a well-curated publication record, defined research interests, achievements, and affiliations—and learned how to leverage digital platforms like ORCID, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and LinkedIn to increase visibility and foster connections with global research communities. Practical strategies for networking and collaboration were also discussed, emphasizing the value of both formal and informal partnerships.
Assignment: Imagine your latest research article (real, past assignment, or hypothetical) has just been published. Develop a concise post-publication promotion plan outlining strategies to maximize its reach and impact. Then, conduct a brief audit of your current researcher profile (even if minimal) and outline concrete steps you will take to enhance it over the next 6–12 months.
Watch the recording below.
Session 20: Implementation Science
Date: Monday, 6th October 2025
Facilitator: Khulud Nurani
Speaker: Dr. Godfrey Sama
This session introduced participants to the field of implementation science, which bridges the gap between research and practice. Participants learned the core concepts of implementation science, including how evidence-based interventions can be adapted and scaled within real-world health systems. The session also covered key frameworks and models that guide implementation efforts, providing structured approaches to ensure effectiveness, sustainability, and context-appropriateness. Common challenges in translating research into practice—such as resource limitations, cultural barriers, and system-level constraints—were discussed alongside strategies to address them.
Assignment: Choose a well-established health intervention or program that has been proven effective in research settings (e.g., exclusive breastfeeding promotion, an HIV prevention strategy, a vaccination campaign, or a maternal health program). Using implementation science principles, briefly outline how you would implement the intervention in practice.
Session 21: Research Funding Options and Grant Applications
Date: Thursday, 9th October 2025
Facilitator: Dr. Vincent Kipkorir
Speaker: Dr. Michael Mwachiro
This session equipped participants with a comprehensive understanding of the research funding landscape and the competencies required to develop successful grant applications. Participants were introduced to a variety of funding sources, including local and international agencies, government programs, philanthropic foundations, and institutional research grants. The session outlined the key components of a competitive grant application—such as the research question, significance, methodology, budget justification, and impact statement—while emphasizing the importance of clarity, coherence, and alignment with funder priorities. Strategies for crafting persuasive and ethical proposals were also discussed, underscoring the value of transparency, feasibility, and innovation.
Assignment:
Identify potential grant funding sources for your research idea and review their eligibility criteria and application guidelines.
Watch the recording below.
