SIRS Awards the 2020 Research Harmonisation Award
The Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS) has awarded its first ever Research Harmonisation Award (RHA) to the conveners Wim Veling, M.D., Ph.D. and Craig Morgan, Ph.D. Their proposal will "develop a blueprint for cataloguing and harmonizing data from existing first episode psychosis cohorts and identifying a consensus set of measures for such cohorts. It will explore how an international infrastructure can be built for sharing and harmonizing first episode psychosis epidemiology cohort data".
The purpose of an RHA is to produce methods that will allow sharing and/or comparing data across countries to accelerate schizophrenia research internationally. The RHA is expected to harmonise measurement techniques or data sharing that will support funded studies that will boost research outcomes.
If you have questions about the 2020 RHG awardee deliberations, please contact Wim Veling at w.veling@umcg.nl. To learn more about the SIRS RHG award, please click here .
A Message from Wim Veling, M.D, Ph.D.
I am happy and honored to receive the first SIRS Research Harmonisation Group Award with a large international group of senior and early career researchers, and representatives from consumer groups. We will develop a blueprint for cataloguing and harmonizing data from first episode psychosis cohorts and identify a consensus set of measures for such cohorts. We will explore how an international infrastructure can be built for sharing and harmonizing first episode psychosis epidemiology cohort data. This is a much needed step in the field of psychosis epidemiology. Data harmonization will allow us to examine determinants of psychosis with greater precision, across social and geographical contexts, and including rare exposures and outcomes. The RHG award will catalyze this development significantly.
A Message from Dame Til Wykes, SIRS President
As SIRS President, one of my main goals is that SIRS be the global leader for research in schizophrenia and related disorders. The RHA is one way to connect our research across the globe – starting with epidemiologists. This award highlights the role of consumers who will provide their views on relevant research measures RHAs also emphasize the involvement of early career researchers who can be mentored as well as contribute. RHAs have a small amount of funding and tight deadlines so that over two years we can work towards open science. This is an exciting innovative way we can bring together global researchers with shared platforms and measures. I congratulate the whole group on an exciting project along with the conveners Wim Veling and Craig Morgan on their plans.
