SPHMMC IRB/IRERC Joint Meeting:
On March 3, 2025, the SPHMMC Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee (IRERC) had a joint meeting comprising past, departing, and new members. The meeting's primary objectives were to evaluate the SPHMMC-IRB journey, exchange experiences among IRB members, and honor departing and past members. Founded in 2015, SPHMMC-IRB underwent a reorganization in 2019. During the establishment, policies and guidelines were developed. Subsequently, 27 SOPs were approved in 2021, and the Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee (IRERC) was recognized as “level A” by the Ministry of Education Ethiopia under the national research ethics committee in April 2024. The journey of the SPHMMC-IRB has been marked by significant milestones and collaborative efforts that underscore its commitment to ethical research practices. Since its establishment in 2015 and subsequent restructuring in 2019, the committee has developed comprehensive guidelines and policies and fostered a culture of experience sharing among its members, enhancing the collective expertise within the group. The development of 27 standard operating procedures in 2021 stands as a testament to their dedication to maintaining high standards in research ethics. Moreover, the recognition as a “level A” Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee further solidifies SPHMMC-IRB's pivotal role in safeguarding ethical integrity within research endeavors. As former members are honored for their contributions, it becomes clear that this evolution is not just about institutional growth but also about cultivating a legacy of ethical vigilance that will guide future researchers. The meeting also aimed to foster collaboration and encourage ongoing dialogue among all members, ensuring that the valuable insights gained from past experiences are utilized to enhance future research ethics practices. By celebrating the contributions of outgoing members, the committee hopes to inspire a renewed commitment to ethical standards in research and to support the continuous development of the institution's ethical framework. To elevate the research ethical standard and transparency, the IRERC has been restructured as an independent office as of March 1, 2025.
The research directorate continues its unwavering support and wishes the IRERC success.
On March 3, 2025, the SPHMMC Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee (IRERC) had a joint meeting comprising past, departing, and new members. The meeting's primary objectives were to evaluate the SPHMMC-IRB journey, exchange experiences among IRB members, and honor departing and past members. Founded in 2015, SPHMMC-IRB underwent a reorganization in 2019. During the establishment, policies and guidelines were developed. Subsequently, 27 SOPs were approved in 2021, and the Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee (IRERC) was recognized as “level A” by the Ministry of Education Ethiopia under the national research ethics committee in April 2024. The journey of the SPHMMC-IRB has been marked by significant milestones and collaborative efforts that underscore its commitment to ethical research practices. Since its establishment in 2015 and subsequent restructuring in 2019, the committee has developed comprehensive guidelines and policies and fostered a culture of experience sharing among its members, enhancing the collective expertise within the group. The development of 27 standard operating procedures in 2021 stands as a testament to their dedication to maintaining high standards in research ethics. Moreover, the recognition as a “level A” Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee further solidifies SPHMMC-IRB's pivotal role in safeguarding ethical integrity within research endeavors. As former members are honored for their contributions, it becomes clear that this evolution is not just about institutional growth but also about cultivating a legacy of ethical vigilance that will guide future researchers. The meeting also aimed to foster collaboration and encourage ongoing dialogue among all members, ensuring that the valuable insights gained from past experiences are utilized to enhance future research ethics practices. By celebrating the contributions of outgoing members, the committee hopes to inspire a renewed commitment to ethical standards in research and to support the continuous development of the institution's ethical framework. To elevate the research ethical standard and transparency, the IRERC has been restructured as an independent office as of March 1, 2025.
The research directorate continues its unwavering support and wishes the IRERC success.
SIDCER SPHMMC-IRB Recognition survey
Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review (SIDCER), in collaboration with the Pan-African Bioethics Initiative (PABIN), conducted a survey of the St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee (IRERC) on 10-12 March 2025 in accordance with the WMA Declaration of Helsinki, WHO Standards and Operational Guidance for Ethics Review and Surveying and Evaluating Ethical Review Practices, CIOMS International Ethical Guidelines, International Council for Harmonization (ICH)-Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines, EC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and national requirements at the time of the visit. This survey aims to enhance ethical oversight in research practices, ensuring adherence to international standards and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in the medical research landscape. Post-survey, preliminary findings, along with recommendations, were presented to relevant stakeholders, including ethics committees and management bodies. This will facilitate informed discussions and potential improvements in ethical review processes, ultimately contributing to the protection of research participants and the credibility of scientific findings. By engaging all parties involved, the survey seeks to create a more robust framework for ethical research that prioritizes participant welfare and upholds the integrity of scientific inquiry. This collaborative capacity-building approach enhances the ethical standards within SPHMMC research and fosters a culture of transparency and accountability. As a result, SPHMMC as well as collaborating researchers can better navigate the complexities of ethical considerations, ensuring that their work benefits society while respecting the rights and dignity of the study participants.
The research directorate expresses gratitude to everyone who helped make this survey a success and underscores a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to excellence. This achievement not only reflects the hard work and dedication of all involved but also sets a promising foundation as we look ahead to securing SIDCER certification for the IRERC. With this certification on the horizon, we are poised to enhance our credibility and reinforce our dedication to ethical research practices to the highest standard. Our focus remains on continuous improvement and fostering collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovative research while upholding the highest ethical standards. Through these efforts, we are not just marking achievements; we are paving the way for a future defined by integrity and shared success in research endeavors at SPHMMC.
Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review (SIDCER), in collaboration with the Pan-African Bioethics Initiative (PABIN), conducted a survey of the St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee (IRERC) on 10-12 March 2025 in accordance with the WMA Declaration of Helsinki, WHO Standards and Operational Guidance for Ethics Review and Surveying and Evaluating Ethical Review Practices, CIOMS International Ethical Guidelines, International Council for Harmonization (ICH)-Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines, EC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and national requirements at the time of the visit. This survey aims to enhance ethical oversight in research practices, ensuring adherence to international standards and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in the medical research landscape. Post-survey, preliminary findings, along with recommendations, were presented to relevant stakeholders, including ethics committees and management bodies. This will facilitate informed discussions and potential improvements in ethical review processes, ultimately contributing to the protection of research participants and the credibility of scientific findings. By engaging all parties involved, the survey seeks to create a more robust framework for ethical research that prioritizes participant welfare and upholds the integrity of scientific inquiry. This collaborative capacity-building approach enhances the ethical standards within SPHMMC research and fosters a culture of transparency and accountability. As a result, SPHMMC as well as collaborating researchers can better navigate the complexities of ethical considerations, ensuring that their work benefits society while respecting the rights and dignity of the study participants.
The research directorate expresses gratitude to everyone who helped make this survey a success and underscores a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to excellence. This achievement not only reflects the hard work and dedication of all involved but also sets a promising foundation as we look ahead to securing SIDCER certification for the IRERC. With this certification on the horizon, we are poised to enhance our credibility and reinforce our dedication to ethical research practices to the highest standard. Our focus remains on continuous improvement and fostering collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovative research while upholding the highest ethical standards. Through these efforts, we are not just marking achievements; we are paving the way for a future defined by integrity and shared success in research endeavors at SPHMMC.