Oxford-Led Research Design Course to be Held in Ho Chi Minh City: Limited to 40 Participants

From March 31 to April 4, 2026, the Tam Anh Research Institute, part of the Tam Anh General Hospital Group – in collaboration with the University of Oxford (UK), will host an intensive training course titled: “Approaching Research Design: From Methodological Foundations to Practical Applications.” The program will take place at the Tam Anh Research Institute (2B Pho Quang, Tan Son Hoa ward, HCMC) under the direct instruction of faculty from the University of Oxford.

Mastering Methodology in the Era of AI and Big Data

As Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and innovative clinical trial models continue to reshape global medical and health science research, the next generation of scientists must not only meet high professional standards but also master research methodology. They must master research methodology and develop rigorous academic thinking from the very beginning of their research journey.

Entering its second year, the Tam Anh – Oxford Partnership 2026 program reaffirms its long-term commitment to international-standard research training. This year’s course has been enhanced in both methodological depth and practical applicability.

The curriculum focuses on core methodological foundations, helping participants clarify the essence of research design and systematically transform initial ideas into professional research protocols.

Unlike many short-term programs that focus solely on tools or techniques, this course equips participants with a balanced research capacity, bridging the gap between academia and practice while upholding ethical responsibilities and flexible planning.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps and Strengthening Systems Thinking

Returning to teach in Vietnam for the second consecutive year, Assoc. Prof. Proochista Ariana – International Development & Health expert, and Director of the MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, emphasizes that a lack of confidence in building a study from scratch is not necessarily due to limited individual capability.

The instructors divide participants into interest-based groups to analyze research designs specific to their fields, enhancing practical application. Photo: Tam Anh Research Institute.

According to Assoc. Prof. Ariana, rather than simply “following instructions” or “completing paperwork,” researchers must understand how to frame questions, select designs, and assess impact correctly. Only then can the output be a high-quality study that is both scientifically clear and practically feasible.

At this year’s workshop, Assoc. Prof. Ariana will lead sessions on literature searching, evidence appraisal, evidence synthesis, scientific critique, and the art of formulating precise research questions. She will dedicate significant time to sharing perspectives and facilitating personalized discussions with participants.

Assoc. Prof. Proochista Ariana (University of Oxford) employs flexible teaching methods tailored to each training module. Photo: Tam Anh Research Institute.

The curriculum also expands into data management principles, taught by Ernest Guevarra, MD, MSc (Senior Researcher in the MSc Programme in International Health and Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford), and research ethics, shared by Assoc. Prof. Do Van Dung (Vice Chairman of the National Ethics Committee, Former Vice Rector of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, and Senior Advisor to TAMRI). These are key components that participants must clearly understand in order to enhance the credibility of a study.

40 Participants, 5 Days, and a Global Academic Journey

This year, the program has admitted 40 participants from diverse fields, including: doctors, pharmacists, nurses, medical technicians, clinical research coordinators, healthcare managers, and aspiring researchers who demonstrate outstanding research potential and motivation.

The course utilizes a training model employed by the University of Oxford in international collaborations: multi-dimensional dialogue, rigorous critique, and in-depth academic exchange. Learners are encouraged to raise questions and discuss challenges, particularly limitations that may arise when applying knowledge to specific conditions in Vietnam or their respective workplaces. Working on real-world scenarios and constraints in resources, data, and research environments allows methodological concepts to be integrated into practice quickly and sustainably.

Participants of the “Approaches to Research Design” course receive their Certificates of Completion directly from Assoc. Prof. Proochista Ariana. Photo: Tam Anh Research Institute.

Upon completion, participants will be awarded a joint certificate from the University of Oxford and the Tam Anh Research Institute. Alumni of the program have noted that the greatest value of the five-day journey is not just the specific knowledge gained, but a fundamental shift in how they perceive scientific research: moving from a series of fragmented techniques to a deep, systematic thinking process that meets global standards. With this long-term vision, participants can confidently advance their research capabilities and make their mark on the international academic map.