9 hours ago - July 31, 2026 | by Mercy Langwani

MUBAS REC Orients Newly Appointed DREC Members

The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Research Ethics Committee (REC) has oriented newly appointed members of its Departmental Research Ethics Committees (DREC) to strengthen the ethical review of research across the University.

Acting MUBAS REC Administrator, Simon Nyondo speaking during the workshop

The orientation, held on 16 July 2026, followed the operationalization of departmental committees in March 2026 as provided for under the MUBAS Research Ethics Committee’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The establishment of DRECs aims to support the main Research Ethics Committee (REC) in managing the growing number of research studies conducted at the University.

Acting MUBAS REC Administrator, Simon Nyondo, said the orientation was essential in preparing newly appointed committee members for their responsibilities.

"This training is very important because these members have just been appointed to their respective Departmental Research Ethics Committees. Most of them were not fully aware of their roles and responsibilities or where to begin. The orientation provided them with the necessary guidance and understanding to effectively carry out their duties" said Nyondo.

Nyondo added that as a multidisciplinary university with 17 departments, the orientation allowed participants to share experiences and discuss departmental differences to help MUBAS develop a coordinated and consistent approach to reasearch ethics review.

Participants were trained on the legal framework governing Institutional Review Boards, the REC mandate, ethical principles, research proposal review processes, and their roles and responsibilities, while also signing confidentiality declaration forms to safeguard sensitive research information.

Lustica Simango, a participant, described the orientation as an eye opener, saying it provided a better understanding of reasearch ethics. She added that the knowledge gained will help participants assess research proposals in line with MUBAS' research ethical standards.

"Most of the times we focus on the scientific part of research and sideline the ethics part, which is very important. The lessons we have learned will help us assess whether research proposals meet ethical requirements and ensure that research benefits institutions and communities without causing harm" she said.

Through this orientation, MUBAS continues to strengthen ethical research practices by ensuring that all studies conducted meet the institutions ethical standards.