We are hosting a four-day training workshop facilitated by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) aimed at strengthening the University’s research ethics framework and establishing an Institutional Scientific Ethics Review Committee (ISERC). The training, running from 10th to 13th November 2026, brings together University leadership, research personnel and other participants for an intensive engagement on ethical research practices and institutional research governance.
The training was organised by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance, Planning and Research, through the Office of the Director of Research. During the official opening, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Kiplangat, welcomed the NACOSTI team and formally declared the workshop open. He expressed his appreciation to NACOSTI for partnering with the University in this important capacity-building initiative. He observed that research, innovation and knowledge transfer are among the key pillars of the University’s Strategic Plan, underscoring the need to invest in institutional structures that support quality research, innovation and the responsible generation and application of knowledge. He further emphasized the University’s commitment to strengthening its research capacity and creating an enabling environment for impactful scholarly work.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the University’s capacity to review research proposals, promote ethical scientific inquiry and ensure that research activities uphold the required ethical standards. Participants will engage in carefully structured modules designed to deepen their understanding of research ethics, accreditation requirements, informed consent, protection of vulnerable populations, research integrity and other critical aspects of scientific research.
The first day of the training was successfully concluded under the theme Foundations of Research Ethics. Participants explored three key modules: Introduction to Research Ethics, Ethical Principles in Research, and Accreditation, Composition and Functions of Institutional Scientific Ethics Review Committees (ISERCs). The sessions provided valuable insights into the fundamental principles guiding ethical research and the institutional requirements for establishing and managing effective ethics review committees.
The subsequent sessions will cover study designs, informed consent, research involving vulnerable populations, integrity in research and publication, behavioural and social science research, animal research ethics, post-approval monitoring, community engagement ethics, emerging research issues, research proposal review processes and quality assurance.
The training marks an important milestone in Kenya Highlands University’s journey towards strengthening its research governance structures and enhancing its institutional capacity for ethical scientific research. Through this engagement with NACOSTI, the University is taking deliberate steps towards building a credible research ethics review framework that will support responsible research, promote innovation and enhance its profile within the higher education and research community.
INTAKE ONGOING.
Apply online through https://onlineapplication.khu.ac.ke
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