Attention: College of Health Sciences Supervisors, Human Research Ethics Committee Members, and Biorepository Oversight Personnel
Dear Prospective participant
You are kindly invited to participate in a research study that forms part of an approved doctoral (PhD) study at Stellenbosch University.
My name is Mandile Thobela, and I am a PhD student at Stellenbosch University. My PhD study is titled “Assessing the Effect of Knowledge on Biomedical Research Students’ Engagement with Biorepository Science in Different Academic Contexts Within South Africa: Integration of Knowledge in Instructional Design and Curriculum Planning”
The study aims to investigate the perspectives of (i) supervisors of biomedical research for postgraduate students and/or intern medical scientists, (ii) human research ethics committee members, and (iii) biorepository oversight personnel on the value proposition of biorepositories within academic and research institutions. In this context, value proposition refers to the unique benefits, functions, and contributions that academic biorepositories offer within universities and research environments. Your expertise and insights will be invaluable in strengthening the body of knowledge on the value and impact of biorepository science in the South African research context.
Who may participate?
You do not need prior knowledge of biobanking or experience using biobanks to participate, as all perspectives are valuable and will meaningfully contribute to the study.
You are eligible to participate if you are a:
- Supervisor of biomedical research for postgraduate students and/or intern medical scientists
- Human research ethics committee member
- Biorepository oversight personnel
What does participation involve?
Participation will involve a once-off interview at a time convenient to you and is expected to last no longer than 45 minutes. All information shared will be treated with strict confidentiality, and participation is entirely voluntary.
Confidentiality
The interview will be audio-recorded on Microsoft Teams with participants’ consent. All information provided will be kept confidential. No information that could identify you will be included in any reports, publications, presentations, or other outputs arising from this study.
Research Ethics
The study has received institutional approval from the Office of the Registrar (UKZN) and Ethical Clearance from Stellenbosch University (Project ID: 32272, Ethics Reference No: S24/11/332 (PhD). Please find attached the respective Participant Information Leaflet and Informed Consent Forms, which provide detailed information about what your participation will entail.
Interested in participating?
If you are willing to participate, kindly select your preferred interview date and time using the Microsoft Bookings and Appointment Scheduling link provided below OR email me directly with your preferred date and time for the interview. You are also requested to sign and return the Informed Consent Form to me at mandile@sun.ac.za.
Book time with Thobela, MS, Ms [mandile@sun.ac.za]: Invitation to Participate in a PhD Research Study on the Value Proposition of Academic Biorepositories
Please feel free to forward this invitation to other potential participants whose knowledge and experience would meaningfully contribute to advancing biorepository science in South Africa.
Please feel free to contact me and my supervisors should you require further information or clarification.
Your participation in this study will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ms Mandile Samantha Thobela
PhD Candidate
mandile@sun.ac.za
011 712 6432 | 068 252 1994
