EMILIO OVUGA RESEARCH 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 policy Clearing house on information on research and experimental development Coordinate 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 research Secure results of research in Uganda Document all research activities in Uganda Prevent duplication of research Guard against research misconduct Avoid unauthorized collection/transfer of research material/information Protect rights and welfare of participants Prevent 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 proposals Title, objectives, methods of study, significance/justification, work plan, budget, references/bibliography Version, date Names and biographic data of researchers Institutions of affiliation Data collection instruments/questionnaires Proposal signed by Principal Investigator

Ethical requirements No harm to research participants  Favourable risk-benefit ration Valid scientific questions and approaches Potential social values Fair selection of research participants Adequate informed consent process Six monthly reports Final report on completion

Informed consent Impoverished communities Children less than 18 years Orphans Prisoners Hard to reach population groups

Process for registration Two copies of research proposal Two completed UNCST forms  UNCST/RC 1 Form  RS 6 Form 4 Recent passport size photos of researchers Relevant support letters, documents RS 6 Form approval by President’s Office Principal 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 research Investigators submit their approved protocols to UNCST IRC include letter of approval Approval takes effect after submission of protocol to UNCST

Field Research by College Students Introduced by Head of College Name of student Subject of research assignment Area where research is to be carried out Duration of research Estimated budget and source of funding Name of supervisor

Research in protected areas Areas: UWA, NFA jurisdiction Permit prior to submitting protocol to UNCST

Evaluation of research project Access to data, research premises, etc Visit 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 extension Progress 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 Abstract Results Discussion Recommendations Study completion report before departure Share results with participating communities

Transfer of materials Research activity registered with UNCST Applicant is legal resident of Uganda Letter requesting transfer of material Material transfer agreement (MTA) Feedback from UNCST Approval/clearance permits transfer