Ngoni Ngwarai awarded Research Management Professional Status by IPRC
- FHS Communications
Ngoni Ngwarai, assistant director of systems and operations at the MRC/Wits-Agincourt Research Unit, was awarded Research Management Professional (RMP) status by the International Professional Recognition Council (IPRC) for his outstanding and enduring work relating to research operations management. The Agincourt health and socio-demographic surveillance system, established in 1992, comprises 31 villages and about 120,000 people. Ngwarai’s operational skills have aided the unit’s platform links to clinical data from clinics and district hospitals, generating robust data on rapidly transitioning populations.
To obtain RMP status, his knowledge, professional experience and training were measured against the Professional Competency Framework for research and administration. Applications are rigorously peer-reviewed.
“Ngoni’s dedication to research management shined through in the application. We look forward to his continued engagement with the IPRC through the STARS Programme, which provides a platform for recognised professionals to remain actively involved in the community, share updates on IPRC initiatives, and participate in relevant activities. We are confident that Ngoni will serve as an ambassador for the research management profession,” said Dr Karin Dyason, Project Manager in the IPRC Secretariat.
The research operations management profession provides oversight on key areas in research, including administration, logistics, and other strategic functions that support research. The role ensures that research programmes and projects run smoothly, comply with regulations, and achieve their objectives. Effective research operations management ensures that the researchers have enough time to focus on the research, knowing that administrative and related functions are taken care of.
“Being recognised as a research management professional is a deeply meaningful milestone for me—personally, professionally, and the broader research management profession. It acknowledges my commitment and dedication to this field over the past 15 years. It highlights my passion for advancing research operations management, particularly in resource-constrained environments, to achieve meaningful research outcomes. This recognition affirms my expertise and contributions to upholding the highest standards of research excellence, inspires me to connect with fellow professionals for mutual learning and collaboration, strengthens my resolve to drive innovation, enhance systems and operational efficiency, and contribute to research's social and economic impact.”
Image: Ngoni Ngwarai