A CQUniversity research body has announced an MOU with African based consultant and psychologist Gideon Odhiambo.

He joins the International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research (IPP-SHR) under the practioner research scheme to conduct collaborative research exploring refugees' perceptions of humanitarian aid with the Malpunda Refugee Camp in Southern Sudan.

African based consultant and psychologist Gideon OdhiamboThe scheme was developed by IPP-SHR in response to calls from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to provide research leadership and expertise to those at the coal face of health care.

The scheme allows health professions to undertake research on issues relevant to their professional practice whilst maintaining their clinical or professional practice.

"I am looking forward to the research influencing policy development and implementation on psycho-social well-being in East African countries and certainly the wider context of Africa where war, disease, bad governance, certain religious beliefs and practices have promoted distress among other things," Mr Odhiambo said.

Dr Pam McGrath, IPP-SHR Director said: "The IPR scheme allows health practitioners to undertake rigorous peer-reviewed research on issues pertaining to their practice and thus provides a direct and important link with what is actually happening at the coal face of health care."

"It is very exciting to see IPP-SHR's Practitioner Researcher scheme extending internationally to embrace significant issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Africa."

For more information on this research scheme, or other collaborative opportunities please go to http://www.ipp-shr.cqu.edu.au/ .