On 23 February 2023, the Department of Epidemiology – School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SPMPH) hosted a scientific seminar titled “WHAT MAKES A GOOD RESEARCH QUESTION? EXPERIENCES AND ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES FROM 30 YEARS OF HIV AND STI RESEARCH”
The seminar was presented by Prof. William Miller and attended by numerous faculty members, staff, trainees, and students from the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SPMPH), as well as a delegation of professors and researchers from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Prof. Miller is a Professor of Epidemiology at the College of Public Health, The Ohio State University. His work encompasses observational and interventional studies, focusing on various fields such as spatial and social network epidemiology, improvement of surveillance data, sexual health, chlamydia screening, and access to healthcare services.
Over the past 10 years, he has conducted and supported research related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV in Vietnam. During the seminar, Prof. Miller presented the significance of a good research question, as well as the steps for defining research questions and objectives. This is a critical stage in the research process, serving as a prerequisite for planning and executing subsequent phases.
Drawing on his extensive experience in conducting numerous community-based studies and interventions in the field of STI and HIV prevention and treatment globally, Prof. Miller provided highly useful and practical advice on how to develop a research idea to address existing public health issues. He integrated engaging personal anecdotes and lessons learned throughout his career into his presentation.
The seminar attracted significant interest and attention from the audience. Following Prof. Miller's presentation, a lively discussion took place, during which the hall received many questions regarding topics such as literature review skills, the distinction between Implementation Science and Operational Research, and how to narrow down and break down research ideas for implementation.
Through this seminar, Prof. Miller conveyed the importance of formulating research questions, as well as the essential skills required in public health research. In the context of increasing international integration and cooperation, the seminar will help faculty and students broaden their perspectives on their scientific research paths, while encouraging them to seize opportunities to enhance their capacity, collaborate with colleagues, and expand their research scope.
School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SPMPH)
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