Early-career researchers in low- and middle-income countries often face significant constraints, including limited funding, small datasets, and fewer publication opportunities. Despite these challenges, innovative research strategies can turn modest support into substantial impact. The experience of Collins Ankunda, an RSTMH Early Career Grant awardee, illustrates how strategic thinking and adaptability can transform a small grant into a powerful driver of research productivity, professional growth, and long-term capacity building.
Receiving the NIHR-funded RSTMH Early Career Grant at the start of a PhD programme provided an opportunity to integrate academic training with applied field research. Instead of initiating a standalone project, Ankunda adopted a sub-study approach by embedding additional research questions within an existing HIV and tuberculosis clinical research framework. This strategy enabled the expansion of sample sizes, exploration of new research angles, and generation of richer datasets without the financial and logistical demands of running an independent study, ultimately increasing the scope and efficiency of the research.
To strengthen the scientific quality of the work, a multidisciplinary team was deliberately assembled through the creation of the Intent Health Research Group. The team brought together expertise in laboratory science, public and reproductive health, clinical HIV care, statistics, and senior medical leadership. This diversity enhanced analytical depth, strengthened decision-making, and fostered mentorship for early-career scientists. As a result, the collaboration produced seven manuscripts, with one already published and others under peer review, while also building leadership skills and research capacity among young researchers in Uganda.
The research process involved navigating practical challenges common in real-world settings. Incomplete electronic medical records required manual data retrieval from physical files and facility registers, increasing the workload and complexity of data management. Consistent virtual meetings, targeted training, and strong coordination were essential to maintaining data quality, team motivation, and alignment throughout the study period. Balancing sub-study activities with PhD responsibilities and other professional commitments further highlighted the importance of effective time and resource management.
Ethical and regulatory processes also posed delays, particularly when protocol amendments or consent waivers were required. Early engagement with ethics committees and careful planning proved critical in mitigating these delays while maintaining scientific rigor and compliance. The experience underscored that sub-studies are not one-off activities but require continuous reflection, coordination, and institutional support to succeed.
Strong mentorship and organisational backing played a decisive role in overcoming these barriers. Supervisors provided technical guidance, strategic advice, and advocacy, while institutional support and fee waivers reduced financial obstacles related to ethics review, publication, and professional membership. Seed funding from programmes such as the RSTMH Early Career Grant enabled pilot testing of ideas, development of preliminary data, and positioning for future funding opportunities.
Overall, this experience demonstrates that impactful research does not necessarily depend on large budgets. Through strategic use of existing datasets, collaborative teamwork, and supportive mentorship, early-career researchers can significantly enhance research output and professional development. The sub-study approach emerges as a scalable and effective pathway for maximising scientific potential and strengthening research capacity in resource-limited settings.
