Table 3 Themes and sources of data

Level 1: Participants’ reaction

On-site sessions

Participants felt the SAFRI fellowship allowed them the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from others as well as build up a network of colleagues

Sharing ideas

Community of Practice

Exchanging information

Electronic mailing list

Networking

Togetherness

Online discussion forum

Network of colleagues

Level 2: Participants’ learning

Check in at beginning of every session

Participants identified that the SAFRI experience allowed for personal growth and created opportunities for development

Growth

Personal Development

New opportunities

New interests

Recognition

Paradigm shift

Short interviews with focussed questions

Level 3: Extent to which participant transferred knowledge to new situations

Check in at beginning of every session

Participants made shifts in their careers in terms of research and identified opportunities in publications, awards and conference attendances

Increased publications

Professional Development

Educational scholarship awards

Short interviews with focussed questions

Conference attendances and presentations

National Research Foundation rating research development

Recognised research roles

Level 3: Extent to which participant transferred knowledge to new situations

On line discussions

Participants were clearly using the tools they had learnt during the fellowship in their work environment

Elevator speech

Use of Tools

Assessment tools

MBTI

Force field analysis

Gantt chart

Feedback from projects

Feedback post one year

Level 4: Behaviour change

On line discussions

Participants shared their knowledge with others and aimed to start activities that would build capacity in their home institutions

Talk to other people

Capacity Development

Education of interest groups

Check in at the beginning of every session

Building capacity of newly appointed academics

Short interview with focussed questions