Research capacity strengthening in fragile and shock-prone settings: Insights from a research consortium

Research capacity strengthening (RCS) is acknowledged as a critical element for improving health systems through contextually-embedded research findings and recommendations. However, RCS remains a critical gap in the field of Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR), especially in fragile and shock-prone settings facing unique challenges that further constrain research capacity. The ReBUILD for Resilience (ReBUILD) consortium, operating in Lebanon, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sierra Leone, sought to strengthen HPSR capacity across individual, organizational, and community levels. This paper reflects on the RCS approaches of the ReBUILD consortium, analyzing strategies and lessons learned. A mixed-methods approach was applied including surveys, discussions, progress reports, and meeting minutes. Data was collected iteratively at different stages of the RCS design and implementation. Based on needs and assets assessment, the RCS strategy was embedded in the consortium’s operations and adapted to local needs. Southern partners and early career researchers increasingly led initiatives, while mentorship and practical learning were emphasized. Efforts focused on strengthening individual skills and knowledge and expanded to the organizational level. Community members were trained and actively contributed to research design and implementation. Gender, equity and safeguarding were systematically integrated. The consortium’s work led to increased research outputs, policy influence, and improved local processes. Findings from ReBUILD’s RCS approach demonstrate that context-specific, values-driven, and multi-level strategies can effectively strengthen resilient research ecosystems in fragile and shock-prone settings. This study proposes an adapted conceptual framework for RCS that emphasizes flexibility, equity, and shared leadership as key to sustainable research capacity development. • Successful RCS in FASP settings requires a flexible and adaptable approach • Responding to rapidly changing contexts and research teams’ needs is critical • Continually learning what is effective and what falls short is needed. • We suggest an adapted framework for HPSR capacity strengthening in FASP settings