FORGE is a research network bringing early-career researchers together around a focused programme of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) implementation research. Initial studies on policy and clinical governance are designed to inform later work on workforce readiness and routine clinical adoption.
The problem FORGE addresses
A tool that works in a clinical trial does not automatically work in a health system.
Global diagnostic access
47%
of the global population had little to no access to diagnostics, according to the 2021 Lancet Commission on Diagnostics.
The hard question is how a technology is governed, financed, staffed, and sustained under real constraints. That evidence is thinnest of all.
A master's thesis is usually a one-off. It rarely builds on what came before, and the researcher rarely continues.
A focused sequence of studies on POCUS policy, clinical governance and subsequent implementation questions, with opportunities for early-career researchers to contribute.
How it works
FORGE is concentrating its initial programme on the implementation of POCUS in routine health systems. The first two desk-based studies address distinct but connected governance questions; later phases will be informed by their findings.
The programme centres on a single clinical technology and the conditions needed for responsible implementation.
Initial policy and clinical-governance studies define their questions, expected methods and researcher prerequisites. Scope and supervision are confirmed before work begins.
Findings from the initial studies will be assessed before later work on workforce readiness, routine adoption, quality and sustainability is undertaken.
Participation
FORGE aims to match researchers and institutions around well-scoped studies. Terms are agreed for each project before participation begins.
Explore the initial POCUS studies, develop methodological skills, and seek suitable supervision. Authorship depends on documented contributions and journal criteria. Research data access is subject to approval and agreements.
Apply for the 2027 intake →Help shape a defined research question, mentor researchers, and contribute to analysis and manuscripts where appropriate. Workload and academic credit are agreed before a project starts.
Supervision enquiries →Propose implementation questions, discuss hosting or site access, and develop studies aligned with local priorities. Roles, ethics, access, ownership, and dissemination require written agreement.
Discuss collaboration →The two initial desk-based studies have indicative durations of 3 to 5 months. Weekly effort, supervision, resources and any other arrangements are confirmed for each accepted project.
The FORGE forum
The FORGE community directory is invite-only. Approved researcher profiles can support collaboration as projects and working groups develop.
An invite-only directory showing approved member profiles, research methods, and collaboration interests.
Two initial POCUS research studies provide a defined starting point for forming supervised collaborations.
Curated methodological resources are available. Programme outputs will be listed after they are publicly released.
FORGE begins with point-of-care ultrasound as its single thematic focus. Two complementary desk-based studies examine policy requirements and clinical governance. Their findings are intended to inform subsequent research on workforce readiness, routine implementation and sustainability. Applications are open until 30 June 2027.
Current stage
FORGE is at an early organisational stage. The research framework and site resources are visible while the community, advisory structure, and institutional collaborations develop.
Two research team members are named below. The current public DIHS programme defines one POCUS implementation theme and two connected desk-based study opportunities.
A 2022 peer-reviewed systematic review by Research Lead S. Kofi Abrokwa and colleagues informs the diagnostic implementation focus. It predates FORGE and is presented as background research.
Read the 2022 publication →The advisory board is being formed. Institutional partners and funders will be named when agreements and permission to disclose them are in place. Project-specific ethics review and data-sharing terms must be established before applicable research begins.
A public record of FORGE-specific projects and outputs will be added as these are established and published. See background research and sources → Read the proposed research principles →
People
FORGE is led by its research team. An advisory board in implementation science and global health is being formed.
Team Lead
Project management and public health research professional with over ten years of experience across healthcare, clinical research and programme coordination. Country Project Manager for the MIDRC Ghana Project, with a BSc in Statistics from the University of Cape Coast.
Research Lead
Works on structured, cumulative programmes of implementation research on health technologies in low- and middle-income countries, linking early-career research into a coordinated evidence base and a pipeline of implementation researchers.
Open role
We welcome people with expertise in implementation science, global health, or LMIC health systems who would like to help shape FORGE's programmes and community.
FORGE is inviting experienced researchers and health-system leaders to help form an advisory board. Its proposed remit includes methodological guidance, research quality, and connections with institutions.
Get in touchGet involved
If you're an early-career researcher, a supervisor, or an institution interested in hosting FORGE projects, we'd like to hear from you.