From Masters student to Research team member – what AWACAN-ED has enabled for me

Dr Sudarshan Govender, one of our AWACAN-ED Masters Scholars at the University of Cape Town and Research team member, reflects here on what being part of the AWACAN-ED programme has meant to him.

I am grateful for all the opportunities and doors that being an AWACAN-ED scholar has opened for me. From attending the AWACAN-ED cancer research schools, to presenting my research at several conferences as well as joining the AWACAN-ED group as a researcher, the AWACAN-ED research programme has allowed me to gain valuable insight and experience across various aspects of research.

While completing my MPH dissertation, the AWACAN-ED cancer research schools provided the perfect platform to present and discuss my dissertation topic, as well as engage with and learn from other early career researchers conducting cancer research in Southern Africa. During the first school I presented my concept for my dissertation, still uncertain about several components of the topic. Over the course of that week, I gained a wealth of guidance and support, both from members of the research group as well as students, and I left with a much clearer idea and direction of how to convert that idea into a protocol. The discussion, feedback and lessons from the subsequent schools helped further broaden my understanding of how to conduct effective, valuable research, particularly in Southern Africa, and highlighted the need to address the increasing cancer burden in Southern Africa. Additionally, the opportunity to present at each of the AWACAN-ED cancer schools allowed me to practise and improve my presentation skills, which is an invaluable skill for any researcher who wants to effectively convey the importance of their research.

In the latest AWACAN-ED cancer research school, I had the privilege of being a member of the research team and presented aspects of the AWACAN-ED work conducted over the last year. This full circle moment highlights the opportunities to grow and develop as a researcher that the programme has provided me. One of the most valuable aspects of this most recent school was the dissemination event. This final discussion around the project, implications of the findings, and the action needed to improve cancer detection emphasised the importance of translating research into actions in order to make tangible differences in the health system. Listening to the inputs and insights from various different stakeholders was fascinating, as it not only conveyed the necessity of community-based research, but also highlighted the holistic approach needed to improve early cancer detection.

As I reflect on the work that has been done with an incredible team, I am grateful for my involvement in the AWACAN-ED research project. The project has provided me with a strong research foundation that I can hopefully build on throughout my career.