US-Zimbabwe Research Ethics Training Program (US-Zim RETP)

Project Summary/Abstract The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) has vast experience in international research ethics education, training, and research in research ethics in Africa. The main aim of the US-Zim RETP project is to establish and implement International Research Ethics (IRE) education, training, and research in Zimbabwe at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (UZFMHS). UZFMHS is the premier health professionals education and training institution in Zimbabwe and is the major centre for health research in Zimbabwe. There is inadequate research ethics training, education, and capacity in ethics research to support the growing robust research agenda to provide the evidence base to address the most pressing health needs of the country. The overall goal of US-Zimbabwe Research Ethics Training Program (US-Zim RETP) project is to develop the capacity for research ethics education, training, and ethics research in Zimbabwe. The aims of the program are to; Aim 1: Enhance the pedagogical and curricular strengths of key UZFHMS faculty to deliver research ethics courses and mentoring in Zimbabwe. Aim 2: Develop and implement a two-year Master’s level degree in Research Ethics at UZFMHS. Aim 3: Promote research around key priorities for research ethics in Zimbabwe. The US-Zim RETP program will be implemented by GWSPH faculty in collaboration with UZFMHS faculty and other experts in the region. The ethics research will be in line with the priority national research agenda, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases. The Master’s program will consist of mentorship/multiple mentorships, coursework, mentored research projects, attachments to research ethics committees, and training in grant and scientific writing and presentation skills. The degree program is designed to run for 2 years. Three cohorts of 5 students each will be recruited over the 5-year grant period. The short courses will be run 3 to 4 times per year, while the faculty development programs will have health ethics components embedded in them.