23-24 April 2025 | Lake Victoria Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda
Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Bergen, Norway, successfully conducted a two-day PhD Supervision Training under the NORPART-funded HePEd Project (Improving Health Professional Education and Capacity in Experimental Epidemiology). The training brought together 25 participants, including experienced supervisors, academic leaders, and doctoral education facilitators from both institutions, with the aim of strengthening doctoral supervision capacity and enhancing research training quality.
The programme was facilitated by Professor Kenan Dikilitas and Associate Professor Monika Kvernenes from the University of Bergen, alongside Professor Sarah Kiguli, Dr Ian Munabi, Dr Roy Mubuuke, and Dr Ronald Semyalo from Makerere University.
Throughout the two-day workshop, participants explored key aspects of effective doctoral supervision, including supervisor-supervisee relationships, feedback and feedback literacy, mentoring doctoral candidates, communication strategies, student wellbeing, research integrity, and support systems required for successful PhD completion.
Through interactive discussions, group work, role-play exercises, and reflection sessions, participants shared experiences and examined both the opportunities and challenges associated with doctoral supervision. Key themes included the importance of timely, constructive feedback; clearly defined expectations; mutual accountability; regular communication; and supportive learning environments that foster student independence and professional growth.
The training also addressed contemporary issues in doctoral education, including the evolving characteristics of today's PhD students, the role of mentorship, and strategies for promoting psychological safety and student wellbeing throughout the research journey. Participants highlighted the need for supervisors to adapt their approaches to diverse learner needs while maintaining high standards of academic excellence and research integrity.
The second day focused on co-supervision, where participants explored models for collaborative supervision, strategies for effective teamwork among supervisors, and approaches to managing complex multidisciplinary and international research projects. Discussions emphasised the value of clear roles, coordinated feedback, and transparent communication in achieving successful doctoral outcomes.
At the conclusion of the training, participants reflected on their own supervisory practices and identified opportunities for continuous professional development. The workshop reinforced that effective supervision extends beyond academic guidance to include mentorship, career development support, and fostering productive research communities.
The training represents an important contribution to strengthening doctoral education and research capacity at Makerere University. By enhancing supervisory competencies and promoting best practices in doctoral training, the programme supports the development of high-quality researchers capable of addressing pressing health and development challenges in Uganda and beyond.
The organisers expressed their appreciation to all facilitators and participants for their active engagement and acknowledged the continued support of the NORPART-funded HePEd Project, whose contribution is helping to advance excellence in health professional education and research collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Bergen.