A short summary of Munira`s research:         

My doctoral research aims to develop a workplace-based occupational therapy intervention supporting chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression of garment workers in Cape Town, South Africa. I strongly believe that healthcare should be available to people where they naturally are - in this case, in their workplaces - to improve early access to treatment, provide a good fit with their environment, and facilitate better outcomes.

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2040. Can you describe the (potential) impact of your research?

My research will produce and evaluate the feasibility of a contextually relevant rehabilitative intervention which will directly be applicable to clinical practice in a resource constrained environment - clothing factories - with an underserved population (garment workers). This study will guide future research and clinical intervention impacting the health of this population.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles early career researchers are faced with? 

Academia can be quite a harsh, critical environment for early career researchers. You are frequently given feedback about improving your work, and don't often receive positive recognition of the value of your work. It is quite challenging to make progress in your career without early funding, for example to support conference attendance, courses and publication fees. Senior researchers are often focused on their own development and it can be difficult to find a mentor or friendly colleague who is willing and able to support and advise you in developing your career.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support early career researchers?

Both mentorship and peer support are very important to assist early career researchers with feeling like they belong while also progressing their careers. Startup funding can be helpful for writing that first grant proposal that helps you find further funding. Networking opportunities such as writing retreats and workshops are also useful for learning from both peers and senior colleagues.

What excites you about your work? 

I love that my job is to learn. I have always had a passion for learning and generating new knowledge, and this is exactly what I am paid to do as an academic. I am very grateful to be a part of this environment where all my colleagues are doing exciting, groundbreaking work and there are so many opportunities for growth and development.

When you're not in the lab, library or in the field conducting research, what do you do to unwind?

I love sandy beach walks in Cape Town, cuddles with my three beautiful children and regular coffee dates with my husband. These activities and interactions keep me grounded and centred, enabling me to do work that is often uncomfortable.

How has the ECAD programme of SU contributed to your research career? 

The supportive environment created by the ECAD coordinators, Fadwha and Leslie, has been extraordinary in creating a safe space where I can grow and shine. I have valued the mentorship as well as the opportunities to attend courses and workshops that ECAD has funded. The funding that is provided annually as well as other funding opportunities I have been exposed to because of ECAD have been instrumental in enabling me to present my work at conferences as well as get some of my day-to-day teaching and supervision tasks covered, so that I can make progress in my research.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future early career academics?

There are so many resources available to help you grow if you know where to look. Network with peers and senior colleagues to find out where these are and how to access them. Know that you are here because you belong, and you are needed in this space - you, as you are, with your knowledge and experience.

Connect with Munira and her work!

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Munira-Hoosain
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munira-hoosain-866775270/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citationsuser=PfzvR9MAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=a