A. Focus groups discussion

We used an interview guide, with probing questions on the responsibilities, the challenges, and the learning experience of the research fellows, as well as their suggestions for a formal research fellowship training program. FGDs took place in a private conference room at our institution. Each FGD was moderated by one of the investigators (EA, MC, GHA) [15], while a fourth investigator (RR) observed all FGDs and took notes. GHA had no prior knowledge with the participants while MC, EA and RR knew some of them but without any established professional relationship. Each FGD lasted around 60 minutes and was audio-recorded. The discussion was mainly in English interjected by some statements in Arabic.