Strathmore University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) committee was successfully launched, in an event that saw researchers from various institutions attend and make merry of the new beginning. The IRB committee, accredited by NACOSTI (National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation) will conduct ethic reviews of research protocols in social sciences. They will also be responsible for review, approvals and oversights of all research protocols involving human subjects.

 

In her warm remarks, chief guest of the event and NACOSTI’s representative, Prof Njeri Wamae, commended Strathmore University for the recent developments. “This is an important beginning not only for the University but for Kenya as a whole. The launch is sending a strong message of the University’s commitment to research.”  The regulatory oversight by NACOSTI has created the possibility for the establishment of the IRB and this accords the university the opportunity to leverage its role in promoting effective transfer of research results for the benefit of the society, taking into account the respect for the dignity of the human person.

 

Dr. Florence Oloo, representative of CREATES (Strathmore University’s Centre for Research in Therapeutic Sciences) applauded NACOSTI for standardizing the fee of research across the country. Hand in Hand’s representative Thomas Jimbo congratulated Strathmore for the new committee and expressed gratitude given them to sponsors the event.

 

Prof. Pamela Andanda from University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, gave a presentation on the importance of fair research in a globalized environment. In her presentation, prof. Pamela sensitized guests on learning to evaluate protocol in a holistic manner, a factor that encourages ethics. She also urged the research institutes to utilize expertise from donors.

 

The role of the IRB is manifold but it includes some of the following activities :-

• Review research protocols and proposals to ensure that research will be conducted in the spirit of endeavouring to promote health and to prevent or cure disability and disease.
• Ensure that humans involved in research are treated with dignity and that their well-being is not compromised.
• Ensure conformity to internationally and locally accepted guidelines and standards.
• Ensure informed consent is obtained prior to beginning research by evaluating the process and materials to be used for recruitment and enrolment.

IRB will ensure that ethical procedures are followed in carrying out research and ethical integrity is upheld as an important value.  

 

For more information on research at Strathmore click here.

See more photos of the event below.

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