The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), through its Committee for Human Research and Ethics (CHRE), is strengthening awareness of ethical standards for research involving human participants and encouraging researchers to obtain the necessary ethical approval before commencing their studies.
The Committee, which operates under the School of Sciences, is responsible for reviewing life-based research protocols, particularly those involving human participants and research within the life sciences. Its work forms part of the University’s commitment to protecting the dignity, rights and welfare of individuals involved in research while promoting responsible and ethically sound research practices.
UENR’s Research Ethics Policy provides the framework for researchers to understand and comply with the ethical principles upheld by the University. The policy is supported by internationally recognised guidelines and frameworks, including the Declaration of Helsinki, the International Conference on Harmonization Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (ICH GCP E6), the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) and the Belmont Report, as well as applicable laws and statutory regulations of Ghana and the University.
At the heart of the University’s ethical research framework are four key principles: respect for persons, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. These principles guide researchers in ensuring that the interests, safety and welfare of research participants are properly considered throughout the research process.
Researchers are required to seek ethical review where a study involving living subjects poses more than minimal risk to participants. This may apply to research intended for publication in academic journals, presentation at conferences, inclusion in books or websites, or submission as part of coursework. Ethical review may also be necessary where researchers collect or analyse information that could identify participants, including email addresses and other contact details.
Studies involving physical contact with participants, possible discomfort or inconvenience, or the risk of psychological distress to participants or their families may also require ethical review. Particular care is required for research involving vulnerable groups, including children and individuals whose ability to provide informed consent may be affected by their mental or cognitive condition.
Researchers whose projects contain any of these elements are therefore encouraged to seek ethical review from the CHRE before commencing their studies.
To make the process more accessible, the CHRE now accepts applications for ethical review online. Staff and students intending to submit research projects can access the application forms through the University’s website.
Applicants are required to submit their research proposals in the recommended format and upload proof of payment of the applicable fees as part of the application process.
Detailed guidance on the ethical review process is available on the UENR website under the announcement “Obtaining Ethical Consent for Projects Requiring Human Subjects.”
Through the work of the CHRE, UENR continues to promote a research environment in which academic inquiry is conducted responsibly, participants are protected, and research findings are generated in accordance with recognised ethical standards.