Establishing a Sustainable Master's Degree Program in Research Ethics and Integrity in Morocco

Project Summary/Abstract Our project aims to significantly enhance Morocco's research ethics capacity and scientific integrity by developing advanced educational programs and leveraging local expertise. Morocco faces critical gaps in research ethics, especially highlighted by recent expansions in research fields with complex ethical considerations, such as oncology, genomics, and international research. Our goal is to strengthen leadership capacity and expertise in international research ethics and research methods. The objective is to develop educational programs in Morocco that encompass critical competencies to provide research ethics education, ethical review leadership, and expert consultation to researchers, their institutions, governments, and international research organizations. Another objective is to establish a regional research ethics committee network to enhance a sustainable and collaborative research ethics community. Our specific aims include: · Specific Aim #1: In Year 1, we will develop courses for a master’s degree and diploma programs focused on research ethics and integrity. Concurrently, we will conduct intensive faculty training to Moroccan Fogarty Scholars to equip them with the necessary skills to effectively teach the new curriculum and engage in mentoring. · Specific Aim #2 : At the onset of Year 2, we will launch the master’s program, utilizing the newly developed curriculum and fully trained faculty. This aim also includes initiating the strategically developed diploma programs that serve a diverse range of professionals. · Specific Aim #3: In Years 2-5, we will conduct a continuous evaluation and enhancement of the master’s program in research ethics and integrity. · Specific Aim #4: We aim to establish a research ethics network based in Morocco, strategically extending across the MENA region to include key partnerships, such as with the Egyptian Network of Research Ethics Committees (ENREC). The project will utilize a collaborative approach involving key Moroccan stakeholders and international experts to develop curriculum and teaching methodologies. The process will be iterative, with continuous evaluation of program effectiveness and pedagogical outcomes guiding subsequent program and network development phases. This strategic methodology ensures the programs address local needs and promote a sustainable culture of research integrity and ethics in Morocco and beyond.