Research Ethics Committee
Overview
The inception of the Gulu University Research Ethics Committee (GUREC), originally designated as the Gulu University Faculty of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee, can be traced back to the year 2007 under the visionary leadership of Prof. Emilio Ovuga, then Dean, Faculty of Medicine, who assumed the pivotal role of the inaugural Chairperson and held the position with distinction until 2017. Dr. Gerald Obai succeeded him, overseeing the committee from 2017 to 2023, and presently, Dr. Julaina A. Obika occupies the position of Chairperson. GUREC has a fully equipped office located at the Faculty of Medicine.
Comprising 11 members drawn from diverse academic disciplines within and outside Gulu University, GUREC also includes two community representatives. The latter play a vital role in articulating the needs and concerns of the local communities, who constitute the predominant cohort of research participants.
The commendable efforts of GUREC were officially recognized with full accreditation bestowed by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) in 2015. Furthermore, the committee has earned accreditation from the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) in the United States, with the designation IRB No. IRB00010381. This accreditation from OHRP not only exemplifies adherence to ethical standards but also holds strategic significance, as it is imperative for grant applications submitted to the prestigious National Institute of Health (NIH) in the United States. It serves as a crucial reference point in the evaluation of grant proposals, thereby fortifying GUREC’s standing in the realm of research ethics. Read More
Staff Members
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Dr. Julaina A. ObikaSenior Lecturer |
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Dr. Alarakol Simon PeterSenior Lecturer |
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Dr. Franceska AkelloSenior Lecturer |
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Dr. Henry Oboke EdongaSenior Lecturer |
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Kansiime ClaraLecturer |
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Dr. Felix BongominLecturer |
MSc. MMED. FECMM | View Profile |
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Dr. Babiiha Mpisi SulaymanLecturer/University Mullah |
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Atim PamelaLecturer |
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Adong Judith MaxAssistant Lecturer |
LLB (UCU), Dip LPC (LDC), LLM (MUK) | View Profile |
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Kiduma RobertAdministrator |
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Odora Oryem CharlesCommunity Representative |
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Onen Walter YagosLibrary Assistant |
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Duties & Responsibilities
Our mandate
The primary responsibility of GUREC revolves around the ethical conduct of studies, underscoring the importance of scientific rigor, methodological robustness, and the safeguarding of key elements such as protection, safety, rights, welfare, and dignity of research participants. GUREC diligently ensures that all studies align with both national and global ethical standards, adhering to established practices in scientific research. This oversight includes actively monitoring the implementation of approved studies to uphold the integrity of the research process.
In alignment with Gulu University’s overarching mission to foster quality research and innovations, GUREC’s mandate plays a pivotal role. By emphasizing ethical considerations and maintaining a vigilant eye on the adherence to established standards, GUREC contributes to the university’s commitment to excellence in research endeavors.
Our reach
GUREC’s impact extends globally, with an annual influx of over 200 academic protocols coming in from diverse projects spanning undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, postdoctoral, and various other initiatives, both within Uganda and worldwide. Amidst the need to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in research ethical reviews, and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the UNCST responded with the introduction of the National Information Management System (NRIMS) for online protocol reviews, accessible at https://nrims.uncst.go.ug/. Notably, GUREC took the pioneering step of being among the first Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in Uganda to embrace this platform.
Since its incorporation in 2020, the online review process, NRIMS, has brought about a significant enhancement in the efficiency and effectiveness of submission and feedback procedures for researchers. This initiative has proven instrumental in reducing the time and costs associated with research endeavors, thereby contributing to an expanded reach of GUREC. The adoption of NRIMS reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in research protocol management.
Capacity Building and Quality Assurance
In addition to its core function of reviewing and overseeing research projects, GUREC is engaged in various significant activities. In 2015, GUREC concluded its noteworthy tenure in the role of chairing the Forum for Research Ethics Committee Chairpersons (FRECU) of Uganda.
Furthermore, GUREC has been entrusted by the UNCST with the responsibility of training and providing support for the establishment of RECs in Northern Uganda. A prime example is the commendable establishment of the Lira University REC in 2023, an initiative in which GUREC played a pivotal role.
Members of GUREC actively contribute to the dissemination of knowledge on research ethics by periodically conducting training sessions and community dialogues. These engagements aim to promote awareness regarding the importance of research ethics, human protection, the roles and responsibilities of researchers, as well as the rights of participants and the importance of community engagement in the research process.
To uphold the high standards of ethical reviews, GUREC places a premium on the continuous professional development of its members. Consequently, all members undergo mandatory
training and secure certification in Good Research Regulatory Practice (GRRP) every two years.
This commitment ensures that our members remain well-informed about emerging issues and evolving trends in research ethics, both at the local and global levels.
Resources
Contact Details
Gulu University Research Ethics Committee (GUREC)
P. O. Box 166, Laroo – Gulu City, Uganda
Email: gurec@gu.ac.ug
Dr. Julaina A. Obika (Chairperson) j.obika@gu.ac.ug
Walter Yagos Onen (Secretary) w.y.onen@gu.ac.ug
Robert Kiduma (Administrator) r.kiduma@gu.ac.ug