Haramaya University (HU) stresses on research ethics more than before.
Haramaya University Office of Research Affairs Conducted a Validation Workshop concerning Institutional Research Ethics Review Guideline on March 1, 2022 at University’s Senate Hall.
Dr. Jamal Yusuf, President of Haramaya University, all vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, Researchers & senior stuff from all HrU’s Colleges were among those who attended the workshop.
Dr.Tesfaye Lema, Vice President for Research Affairs of Haramaya University, in his opening speech said that since Haramaya University is among the distinguished research universities in Ethiopia, our focus is mainly on research activities conducted in an orderly manner and the principles of good research practices seriously consider wider consequences of the Research activities.
Dr. Tesfaye underlined that research ethics helps researchers to think through the benefits and risks associated with their planned researches, so researchers should pay due attention to societal benefits and minimize risks and harms from their research activities. Therefore a research ethics guideline is being developed to facilitate the quality and observation of research projects.
The message is to remind the researchers to consider their works in terms of ethics and right as Potter Stewart says “Ethics knows the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do”
Dr. Tesfaye added that the workshop provides constructive inputs and the draft directive will be further developed to ensure the quality of research and the benefits of the community and to monitor the conduct of researchers and their researches in a manner that does not harm the environment and biodiversity.
Among the three presenters of proposal of draft guidelines, Ato Bacha Daba, a lecturer of Law College at Haramaya University said that having Institutional Research Ethics Review Guideline is important to conduct honest research, and ensure the benefit of the community and the wellbeing of the environment. In addition to these, the directive should be carefully considered regarding to how genetic samples should be sent for research works conducted in collaboration with partner organizations in other countries, added Ato Bacha.
On the closing remark Prof. Mengistu Urge, Vice President of Academic Affairs of the University, said the aim of research is solving societal problems in almost all array of human lives and protecting environmental safety.
Prof. Mengistu added that research has to be conducted ethically to fulfill such expectation of ensuring the healthiness of research out-come for use by human beings in particular, and for protection of animals and the environment in general. Therefore, to ensure safe & quality conduct of a research, ethical procedures through which the design and conduct of research can be checked has to be transparent. As a result, research ethical clearance embraces all stages of the research process.
Finally, discussion and reflection were made on the presented draft proposal guideline and the participants raised various questions and forwarded constructive comments.
By: – Shemsedin Mohammed
Photographer: – Tewodros Lishan
Copy Editor: – Denasew Shemelis