How to author a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis: A guide for South Sudanese medical postgraduates

A research proposal is a three-chapter document that outlines a study to be conducted for a dissertation or thesis. The three chapters of a proposal include the Introduction, a literature review on the chosen topic, and the research methodology proposed for the study. After successfully navigating the proposal process and receiving approval from the academic research team and the Research Ethics Committee, one can proceed with the actual research project. In South Sudan, all healthcare-related research proposals must be approved by the South Sudan Research Ethics Committee (SSREC) based at the Ministry of Health, as institutional committees still need to be established. Authoring a research proposal as a postgraduate medical professional in a resource-poor country like South Sudan poses challenges related to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and research facilities and limited access to the internet and medical libraries. Therefore, it is important to consider the scope of the proposed research carefully and select a clear topic that addresses a significant medical topic relevant to the population’s healthcare. This overview aims to guide medical postgraduate students in South Sudan and other resource-limited regions on their dissertation and thesis projects.