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IUIU Staff Sensitized on Research Regulatory and Clearance Process

• 25th November, 2024 1:24pm

The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) hosted a popularization seminar on the research regulatory process On Friday, November 22, 2023, at the main campus in Mbale. The event, facilitated by the National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), aimed to raise awareness among researchers about the importance of research registration and to address existing challenges in the registration and clearance process.

Representing the Rector, Dr. Jamil Serwanga, the Vice-Rector in Charge of Academic Affairs at IUIU, welcomed guests to the seminar and shared a brief history of the university, emphasizing its dedication to academic excellence and impactful research. He commended the National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) for organizing the event, which he described as a valuable platform for institutions like IUIU to share experiences and strengthen their research practices.

Ms. Hellen Opolot, Head of Research Management and Quality Assurance at UNCST, emphasized the benefits of research registration, noting its significant impact on improving university rankings. She encouraged IUIU staff and students to prioritize compliance with ethical research standards.

In an interview, Dr. Maimuna Nimulola, IUIU's Director of Research, Publications, and Innovation, described the seminar as timely and informative. She hoped that increased awareness would lead to greater recognition of students' research and pave the way for intellectual property rights. Dr. Nimulola also urged UNCST to reconsider the registration fees for non-East African students, which currently stand at $300 compared to $50 for East African students.

Dr. Halima Wakabi Akbar, IUIU's Academic Registrar, highlighted the university's ongoing efforts to bolster its research framework. She noted that IUIU is on the verge of receiving accreditation for its Research Ethics Committee (REC).

"This initiative is a remarkable step forward, as it aligns with our existing structures, including the Directorate of Research, Publications, and Innovation, and the Directorate of Graduate Training,".

She added that UNCST's integration of a Management Information System would streamline processes such as application submissions and payments, making research more accessible and efficient.

Dr. Halima further emphasized the need for research to have practical impacts, saying, "We aspire to see our research transform lives by addressing societal challenges and contributing to the socio-economic development of our communities and nation."

Mr. Mabanja Ashraf, a lecturer and PhD candidate at IUIU, commended UNCST and stressed the importance of ethical compliance in protecting communities involved in research.

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