Dedan Kimathi University Scientific & Ethics Review Committee (DeKUTSERC)

The Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (DeKUTSERC) is fully accredited by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) to conduct Scientific and Ethical review of Research Systems (Research, Science, Technology and Innovation) and related matters in Science, Biomedical and Engineering Sciences. The Committee ensures that all research involving human participants is conducted ethically and in accordance with national and international standards.

Committee Objectives

1. To provide impartial and independent opinion on research proposal so as to ensure high integrity of research carried out by the University and collaborators
2. To approve (with or without modification) and disapprove research proposals accordance with its aims
3. To conduct post approval compliance monitoring of research
4. To develop, promote and disseminate scientific and ethical values in all areas of research within the mandate of DeKUT
5. To submit an annual report on the approvals and recommendations to the National Bioethics Committee.
6. To liase with international developments in relation to biomedical and non-biomedical research and associated ethical issues and liaise with relevant local and international organizations

Committee Composition

1. Committee Chairperson
2. Committee Secretary
3. Expert Members from various disciplines including Biomedical, Clinical and Social Sciences, Biostatistics, Law
4. Lay Member to take care of public interest.

Terms of Reference

1. Review, recommend and adjudicate submitted research proposals by individuals or teams, as pertain to relevant ethical, legal, scientific and social issues specified in the STI Act.
2. Conduct scientific and ethical review of all research, and innovation projects submitted by individuals or teams in your institution and its affiliates per the STI Act and other relevant laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
3. Ensure that all research being undertaken within the jurisdiction is licensed by NACOSTI per the STI Act, are beneficial to the national development agenda and do not endanger national security or public safety or national cohesion or the environment, nature, or IP rights of communities.
4. Monitor the implementation of approved and licensed research proposals including spot checks, management of databases, and transfer of specimens and research materials, and ensure compliance with set regulations and a report/ recommendation made to NACOSTI;
5. Encourage and ensure proper management and dissemination of research findings including publication in recognized journals and application for patents/ utility models;
6. Register and maintain a database of Researchers in your institution and affiliated institutions under the hand of the Head of the Institution, as well as independent applicants, and submit quarterly and annual reports to NACOSTI on the same.
7. Liaise with the Institutional Intellectual Property Management Office and Researchers to identify potential intellectual assets, as well intellectual property rights that need protection and commercialization based on Research findings/outcomes;
8. Promote training, recognition, and Continuous Professional Development of members of Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committees, researchers, and scientists.
9. Ensure quality assurance and ethics in research and innovation in the country, and advise on appropriate training programmes for researchers on issues of ethical compliance and good research practice.
10. Promote and foster visibility, debate, education, public engagement, deeper understanding, and mainstreaming of research, science, and innovation within the institution and its stakeholders.
11. Document the state of Research Systems (Research, Science, and Innovation) within the jurisdiction, and submit a report (annually or when called upon) of the same to NACOSTI in the prescribed format.
12. Maintain adequate records of submitted and approved research proposals, scientific and technological developments emanating from research, all meetings and activities, and submit a report of the same to the Director-General, NACOSTI on a quarterly and annual basis.
13. Take appropriate action on any research project that has breached approved protocols or regulations or laws, as well as action because of adverse events or closeout reports for studies.
14. Undertake any other relevant assignment as may be delegated to you.

Application Process

• DeKUTSERC has a designated physical address at the RIMCL offices. The administrator is the contact person and can be reached on dekuterc@dkut.ac.ke.
• The Principal Investigator (PI) Ensure the proposal to be reviewed has met the requirements as per the graduate school guidelines for post graduate students and external applicants
• The Principal Investigator (PI) should Ensure that the proposal has been signed by the Principal Investigator and Co investigators
• The Principal Investigator (PI) shall Fill the DeKUTSERC Application Form and provide the necessary materials i.e. A soft copy of the proposal written on a CD or digital copy emailed to secretariat contact on dekuterc@dkut.ac.ke or submit application online by clicking
• An Application that has met the requirements is accepted for review and assigned a reference number.
• The committee upholds integrity and confidentiality in the review process.
• During the review process, the Committee secretariat communicates every stage of the review process to the Principal Investigator through email using the Committee communication email dekuterc@dkut.ac.ke.
• Once the process is complete, an Ethics clearance letter is issued.

Special Considerations

Whilst DeKUTSERC endeavors to review institutional proposals and other external request, there shall be special considerations for the following applications:

1. involving prisoners, pregnant women, mentally challenged subjects, refugees
2. involving minors and adults lacking capacity to consent
3. for use of medical devices
4. involving human tissues, material transfers outside the national jurisdiction, GMOs and Biorisk agents

In such special cases as listed above DeKUTSERC may require the applicants to fill the Vulnerable population form and the Committee may seek further guidance from the relevant authorities and the National Bioethics Committee

Online Submission

Fill the DeKUTSERC Application form downloadable here

Prepare your proposal as per the Post Graduate guidelines

Attach the DeKUTSERC Application form and your proposal and click submit.

A confirmation email will be received.

Contact

Email: dekuterc@dkut.ac.ke

Need Help?

dekuterc@dkut.ac.ke