The Tobacco Control Research Group, is a multidisciplinary, international research group examining how companies influence health and policy. It is part of STOP, a global tobacco industry watchdog. TCRG is also the home of Tobacco Tactics, a ground-breaking platform which aims to make TCRG's work easily accessible to policy-makers, civil servants, NGOs and the media globally.

TIMRA training

TCRG is committed to supporting researchers and advocates worldwide in their efforts to hold the tobacco industry to account, and to implement effective tobacco control policies. The TIMRA course helps participants develop the skills to support the implementation of tobacco control policies in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The course explains:

• how to monitor and investigate the tobacco industry and its activities, using a range of investigative tools and techniques
  
• how to synthesise and publish rigorous, relevant findings for impact
  
• how to maximise use by decision-makers, public officials, academics, journalists and others with a stake in effective tobacco control policy development and implementation
  
• interpreting the industry playbook, and the obligations of FCTC article 5.3

The course combines presentations, practical workshops and peer-supported learning. Participants work alongside, and are taught by, a range of regional and global tobacco control experts, including specialist investigators in the Tobacco Tactics team. Read more about how participants from ASH were able to contribute to TIMRA 2022.

Feedback

From 2025 participants

"This course strengthened my capacity to critically analyze and counter industry tactics - an essential skill for my work in youth-led tobacco control advocacy."

“This course has been a game changer for me. I had the opportunity to learn directly from global experts about practical tools to monitor and investigate tobacco industry interference for effective policy implementation. The knowledge gained, experiences shared, and connections built, both with fellow participants and the incredible TCRG team, made this program truly unforgettable."

From 2024 participants

“This short course is unique, and the line-up of topics was all relevant. I believe this should be sustained, continuously improved, and offered at the regional level. It is like an advanced class for people working on tobacco control."

“I really really enjoyed the course. Even as a tobacco control advocate, I was able to learn a lot and meet other advocates from around the world. It was very valuable to have the TCRG team so present and available for questions and discussion on tobacco control issues."

More information

The TIMRA course runs annually. Opportunities to participate will be advertised on this page when they arise.

The 2026 course will run from 6 July - 10 July in Bath. Find out more.