TDR Implementation Research MOOC 2026: Free WHO Course

Application Deadline: October 23, 2026

Applications are now open for the TDR Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Implementation Research, a free course from TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization. Classes start on October 19, 2026.

The world invests heavily in new vaccines, drugs and health tools. Yet many of these solutions never reach the people who need them. Implementation research tackles this gap by studying how to deliver proven interventions in real-world settings.

For health professionals, researchers and students across Africa, this course offers a practical route into the field. 

About the TDR Implementation Research MOOC

The course (code IR101en) responds to a persistent problem. Effective tools lose much of their value without good implementation strategies, and implementation research is often underestimated as part of the research pipeline.

By the end of the course, you should be able to design your own implementation research projects, critically assess evidence from other studies, and commission well-designed research. You will learn how to:

• Understand the core concepts of implementation research
• Identify the challenges of different contexts
• Assess existing implementation strategies
• Develop better strategies by working with communities and stakeholders
• Formulate research questions and design rigorous projects
• Define outcomes and evaluate your strategies
• Plan the scale-up of your intervention

Expert Faculty

The course staff includes leading global health figures. Among them are Professor Pascale Allotey of the UN University International Institute for Global Health, Professor Uche Amazigo, former Director of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control, and Professor William Brieger of Johns Hopkins. Several African experts, including Professor Oladele Akogun of Nigeria, also teach.

Benefits of the Course

• Free access: There are no fees for the course or the certificate. You can leave at any time without penalty.
• Certificate of attendance: Complete all five modules and score at least 70% to receive a certificate signed by WHO/TDR and a partner institution.
• Flexible learning: The course is not live-streamed, so you can study at your own pace.
• Expert interaction: Discussion forums are moderated by academics.

Note that the course does not award university credits.

Eligibility and Who Should Join

The course is aimed at people interested in implementation research. The only listed requirement is a general knowledge of public health issues in your country, which is described as an advantage.

It suits health workers, programme managers, researchers, postgraduate students and policymakers who want to improve how health interventions are delivered.

Key dates:

• Classes start: October 19, 2026
• Classes end: December 15, 2026
• Duration: About five weeks of content, with the course open for around eight weeks
• Estimated effort: About 3 to 5 hours per week

Conclusion

The TDR Implementation Research MOOC gives you free, expert-led training and a route to research funding. With classes starting October 19, 2026, act now to secure your spot.

For more information and to register, CLICK HERE

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