EMILIO OVUGARESEARCH SEMINAR, GULU UNIVERSITY

MARCH 3-6, 2008

Research Approval Guidelines and Policy by

UNCST

Introduction

Research is defined as: ‘Any type of systematic investigation, testing and evaluation whose objective is to discover new facts or information and increase the stock of knowledge’.

UNCST: CAP 209 of the Laws of Uganda of 1990

Advise and coordinate the formulation of policyClearing house on information on research and

experimental developmentCoordinate all scientific and technological

activities of persons, institutions, sectors, organizations

Establish research committees, research councils, organizations and experimental and developmental activities or other scientific and technological services

Activites of UNCST

Assist researchers to access data for researchSecure results of research in UgandaDocument all research activities in UgandaPrevent duplication of researchGuard against research misconductAvoid unauthorized collection/transfer of

research material/informationProtect rights and welfare of participantsPrevent clandestine activities in the name of

research

Scope

Health, agriculture, allied sciences, physical and biological sciences, social sciences and humanities, industrial and engineering sciences, information sciences

Research in Uganda

Registration and approval requirements

Full proposals, not draft proposalsTitle, objectives, methods of study,

significance/justification, work plan, budget, references/bibliography

Version, dateNames and biographic data of researchersInstitutions of affiliationData collection instruments/questionnairesProposal signed by Principal Investigator

Ethical requirements

No harm to research participants Favourable risk-benefit ration

Valid scientific questions and approachesPotential social valuesFair selection of research participantsAdequate informed consent processSix monthly reportsFinal report on completion

Informed consent

Impoverished communitiesChildren less than 18 yearsOrphansPrisonersHard to reach population groups

Process for registration

Two copies of research proposalTwo completed UNCST forms

UNCST/RC 1 Form RS 6 Form

4 Recent passport size photos of researchersRelevant support letters, documentsRS 6 Form approval by President’s OfficePrincipal Investigator informed in 14 days$300 Research Administration & Clearance

Fee

Process of registration cont’d

Researchers, Research Assistants receive: Research Approval/Clearance Notification Letter Research Permit/Identity Card

Affiliation to Local Institutions

Foreign researchers affiliate to institutions in Uganda

Ugandans use their LC I as institution of affiliation

Institutional Review Committees

Conduct ethical review of researchInvestigators submit their approved protocols

to UNCSTIRC include letter of approvalApproval takes effect after submission of

protocol to UNCST

Field Research by College Students

Introduced by Head of CollegeName of studentSubject of research assignmentArea where research is to be carried outDuration of researchEstimated budget and source of fundingName of supervisor

Research in protected areas

Areas: UWA, NFA jurisdictionPermit prior to submitting protocol to UNCST

Evaluation of research project

Access to data, research premises, etcVisit research sites any time

Termination of research permit

Terminate, suspend, revoke permit in the event of gross misconduct

Renewal/Extension of permit

Rewritten request for extensionProgress report

Title of study UNCST study reference number Study area/site Background, objective of study Progress in reporting period, constraints Implementation plan for requested period

Research identity card

Research reports

AbstractResultsDiscussionRecommendationsStudy completion report before departureShare results with participating communities

Transfer of materials

Research activity registered with UNCSTApplicant is legal resident of UgandaLetter requesting transfer of materialMaterial transfer agreement (MTA)Feedback from UNCSTApproval/clearance permits transfer