Research Committee
background
With the progressive growth of AFLAR and the realisation of the magnitude of organisational potentials in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the possibilities for the future, AFLAR recognises the need for a research committee to spearhead the growth and spread of rheumatology research and rheumatology research culture across the continent. The research committee will be saddled with developing and co-ordinating research initiatives in the field of rheumatology across the countries represented in the AFLAR network.
objectives
To encourage and facilitate rheumatological research in Africa.
To co-ordinate joint research initiatives between AFLAR and other rheumatology organisations outside of Africa.
To promote data-driven service improvements in the field of rheumatology on the African continent by partnering with national and regional rheumatology societies.
authority
The AFLAR executive committee will empower the research committee to develop initiatives and projects within the scope of the research committee’s roles to meet the objectives as itemised above. This will include the ability to form and dissolve sub-committees and ad hoc committees to deliver on the objectives of the research committee. The research committee will be able to act on behalf of AFLAR on research partnership, funding opportunities and research-associated training and other research initiatives with organisations within and outside Africa.
Delegation of Powers and Tasks
The research committee will be able to delegate powers and tasks to individuals and sub-committees on the delivery of projects and initiatives.
review
The terms of reference of the research committee will be subject to review by the AFLAR executive committee at the expiration of each research committee executive term.
Scope
The scope of the duties of the research committee will be defined and refined by the AFLAR executive committee to meet the goals of the committee. The roles of the research committee will include conceptualising, grooming, developing, supporting and delivering research initiatives within the network of member associations. The scope of the research committee’s role will exclude………..
Membership
The research committee will be composed of a central committee and a variable number of central committee membership as determined by the central committee. The research committee will also have the power to co-opt people or accept nominations and recommendations to specific committees commissioned for specific projects or initiatives.
Reporting and Monitoring
The research committee shall give regular updates of its activities to the executive committee of AFLAR on a biennial basis. The research committee will receive regular updates from its subcommittees and ad hoc committees at a frequency determined at the point of commissioning the specific sub-committee or ad hoc committee.
