Program Science Initiative Updates, Goals and Directions James Blanchard, MD, MPH, PhD Professor and Director, Centre for Global Public Health University of Manitoba

Harkening back to Rome… (April 2010) Objectives of the first “Program Science” meeting in Rome 1.To advance the field of Program Science both conceptually and methodologically 2.To establish mechanisms to facilitate and support collaborations that will nurture and evolve this field 3.To launch 2-3 concrete, empirical Program Science initiatives or projects

To advance the field of Program Science both conceptually and methodologically Several follow-up meetings / discussions: –Within the CDC –Within the NIH –With country programs Considerable interest in bridging the gap between programs and science in meaningful ways We’ll know more in a few days….

To establish mechanisms to facilitate and support collaborations that will nurture and evolve this field A “work in progress”: We need to further define the purpose and meaning of collaboration We need to have practical initiatives that benefit from collaborative efforts

To launch 2-3 concrete, empirical Program Science initiatives or projects Some progress at the country level: CDC (USA)… India –Concept Note developed with NACO –Next steps outlined Kenya –Initial discussions with NASCOP and NACC and general agreement to develop an initiative Nigeria –Initial planning and discussions for integrating PS into the World Bank’s technical assistance

But what are the Goals? Develop the field(s) of Program Science? Improved program design and delivery and evaluation? (where?) Building models for integrating “Program” with “Science”? Building capacity? Enhancing the academic mission in global health?

My view… Program -Science Group Dissemination Program and Policy Constituencies Science Constituencies Program Science Initiative(s)

Directions… Develop program “exemplars” that can be learning grounds for how to operationalize the concepts –Strategic Planning –Implementation (“getting research out of practice”) –Program Management (including impact evaluation) We need space / time / impetus to fill the gaps in science –Better ways of appraising epidemics –The science of complexity