RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in partnership with Stellenbosch University, South Africa, has developed the world’s first Essential Research Skills in Global Surgery course. This pioneering initiative represents a true Global North-Global South collaboration and marks a significant step forward in global surgery education and research training.
Developed in response to growing international demand for stronger research skills in global surgery, the course was designed with a strong emphasis on interactive learning, cross-cultural engagement, and student-academic partnership. Replacing traditional lectures with Socratic dialogue, real-world case studies, educational games, and immersive group activities, the course creates a dynamic, student-centred learning environment that promotes curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
The successful pilot offerings in Cape Town (September 2024) and Dublin (February 2025) have demonstrated the course’s immediate impact and strong potential as a model for transformative undergraduate research education. Following this success, RCSI and Stellenbosch plan to continue the initiative in 2026 across both campuses.
Read more – Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers – RCSI Impact
Course participants learning through games. Photo credit: Antonio Jaén Osuna
