The Global Health Network is very keen to hear from research sites in developing countries, to facilitate the work done at sites, the diversification of research, training of staff, and to help sites to find as many opportunities as possible.
Site-Finder: Facilitating Research Collaborations
Welcome to 'Site-Finder', a novel application of digital technology to facilitate research in developing countries.
Click on the site names on the left to view location of the site on the map. When you click on a marker, a link will take you to the details of this site in SiteFinder. Have you added your site yet? If not, simply go to www.site-finder.org and click on 'enter a site' to add your details. Like everything on the Global Health Network, it's completely free, and always will be.
Please note that all locations are approximate.
The Global Health Network is delighted to announce the launch of Site-Finder (www.site-finder.org), a free and open access online facility which enables research sites to promote themselves to potential collaborators and sponsors. In parallel, research groups planning studies can let others know about their ideas and that they are looking for others to work with. Sponsors with trials can also conduct highly detailed and informative searches for trial sites that are tailored to their specific needs. Using technology adapted from dating websites, Site-Finder automatically suggests suitable collaborations, and will inform sites of new studies which are relevant to them.
Over one hundred and twenty research sites have already signed up to Site-Finder, many making use of the ability to add photos and documentation such as training certificates. Research sites who have already posted on Site-Finder report that they were keen to sign up so as to gain maximum exposure and more opportunities to engage in research which would help address the disease burdens that have the highest impact to their communities. One investigator commented: “We are a young study site very keen to get involved in new projects. Site-Finder gives the opportunity to inform others about our site and experience”, while others have labelled the resource “an extraordinary assistance” and “an innovation”.
Site-Finder is an application within The Global Health Network, an online science park for research groups working in Global Health, and so members can benefit from being a part of the entire Network through a quick registration process on Site-Finder. If you're already a member of the Global Health Network, or any one of its sites (including Global Health Trials), you can simply use your existing log in details to access Site-Finder. The Global Health Network provides open access to a wide range of free online seminars and courses, eLearning, downloadable training kits, country-specific regulatory advice, articles, discussions, news, templates and tools.
Health workers and organisations who have research facilities, or those who would like to take part in research, are now invited to sign up. In addition any research groups who are planning studies, even at an early stage, can post their plans on Site-Finder and would-be collaborators can then get in touch. With increased number and diversity of the sites involved, planned studies might be improved and completed faster.
Technical support is on hand to help with any questions, and the Global Health Network is live offering help sessions every week day between 11am-1pm GMT on skype Instant Messenger – just add ‘site-finder’ on Skype. You can also email site-finder@theglobalhealthnetwork.org; all emails will be responded to within 24 hours.