Rwanda’s Regional Vaccine Supply Agency Eyes KEMRI’s Research Partnership
March 19, 2024
Institute in Key Primary Health Stakeholders’ Engagement
March 19, 2024KEMRI convenes a research Integrity Sensitization Workshop
On the 14th of March 2024, the KEMRI Research Integrity Committee (RIC) convened a one-day hybrid research integrity sensitization exercise for scientists with an aim to create awareness on research integrity and prevention of possible research misconduct.
Ag. Director Research and Development, Prof. Nelly Mugo while officiating in the opening ceremony or the exercise, appreciated the crucial role that research integrity plays in the Institute. “Scientific Integrity is
critical in a research institution like KEMRI as it ensures research is conducted in a manner that will enhance trust and confidence in research results,” stated Prof. Mugo.
On her part, the chair of KEMRI Research Integrity Committee, Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi provided the terms of references for the committee. She echoed the importance of promoting responsible conduct of research.
While making her presentation on responsible research conduct, Research Scientist, SERUMs. Caroline Kithinji
acknowledged that ethics in research is based on the morality of the scientist and thus research was heavily
pegged on trust. This she appreciated could either make or break the entire research process. Ms. Kithinji further utilized the platform to enumerate the various issues scientists should adhere to for the conduct of responsible research.
According to her, scientists should constantly engage in mentoring young researchers, this she said would
ensure continuity in the field of research. She urged the scientists to foster collaboration in research, have regards to scientific records, procedures and cultivate a culture of prudent utilization of allocated funding.
Also presenting during the integrity sensitization was Paedetrician, Nairobi University, Prof. Stephen Muhudia who took the participants through the core values of research integrity. “Research integrity does not only apply to the researcher, but also to the institution, sponsors and the public at large. I recommend that scientists adhere to the Singapore statement on research integrity. The core values in this statement include; objectivity, honesty, openness, accountability, fairness and stewardship,” said Prof. Muhudia.
The sensitization also incorporated presentation on the way to prevent research integrity misconduct. CEO EthiXpert, South Africa, Mr. Francis Kombe noted that for a long-time research integrity malpractice were narrowed to plagiarism, falsification and fabrication, which doesn’t fully capture all aspects of research malpractices. He further took the scientist on the various contributors to research intergrity malpractice like in the Hong Kong statement which he noted focused on the various reward system of an organization, this he argues might force scientists to indulge in malpractice so as to attain the rewards. Francis also recommended to the research integrity committees to develop mechanism to deal with research malpractices; such mechanism includes protection of whistle blowers and investigation of research malpractice allegations. This according to him would help in the mitigation of research malpractices.
Other presenters included Associate Professor, University of Nairobi, Prof. Beatrice Amugune, who gave a summary on the categories of research misconducts and how they affect research and research output and the Advocate of High Court of Kenya, Ms. Melba Katindi who highlighted the legal issues in reporting research integrity.
Established in July 2023, the RIC committee is charged with the development of policies, guidelines, and procedures for research integrity and creation of awareness through training of KEMRI staff, students, stakeholders, partners and collaborators. In the end, the committee will create a roadmap for the establishment of a fully fletched Research Integrity Office. The committee intends to hold continuous trainings and webinars to inculcate a culture of research integrity and enhance public confidence in research results.
Members of the KEMRI Research Integrity Committee are: Prof. Wallace Bulimo, Ms. Milkah Mwangi, Dr. Judy Mwai, Mr. Enock Kebenei, Dr. Kimani Makobu, Ms. Melba Katindi, Ms. Dama Olungae, Dr. Stephen Muhudhia, and Mr. James Nguya.
