The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) conducted on 28th November 2023, a training workshop for research stakeholders to orient them on newly developed guidelines on ethics in order to continue upholding ethical standards in research activities in the country.

In the opening speech, Prof. Said Aboud, the Director General of NIMR, said the institution continues to propel collective pursuit in carrying out research, fostering collaborations, and disseminating research findings. It is equally important to acknowledge that NIMR has been striving to strengthen systems to improve the coordination and regulation of health research in the country and the institute has made significant progress.

“This event reflects a continuous commitment to ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in the field of health research. This is a continuous effort to protect our people who take part in research and generally to ensure that research is done in accordance with the principles of good clinical practice.” said Prof. Aboud.

Prof. Aboud emphasized that NIMR holds the legal mandate to grant permits, oversee and coordinate research endeavors within the nation. He highlighted the importance of researchers to obtain approval for their studies and emphasized the need for vigilant monitoring. Additionally, Prof. Aboud stressed the significance of educating researchers who deviate from established procedures, aiming to foster adherence to ethical and procedural standards.

Furthermore, Prof. Aboud mentioned three newly developed guidelines and procedures governing health research in the country.

The two-day training workshop organized by NIMR took place at the Headquarters and brought together 42 research stakeholders from various public and private institutions.