About the Committee

Protecting Participants and Promoting Responsible Research

The Somali Researchers Association Research Ethics Committee (SRA-REC) reviews research involving human participants to help protect their rights, dignity, safety, privacy and well-being.

The Committee supports research that is ethically responsible, scientifically sound and appropriate to Somalia’s social and cultural context. Its review process is guided by internationally recognised research ethics principles and relevant national requirements.

Role of the Committee

The Committee reviews research proposals and supporting documents to assess:

  • The purpose and ethical justification of the research
  • Potential risks and expected benefits
  • Participant recruitment and selection
  • Informed-consent procedures
  • Privacy, confidentiality and data protection
  • Inclusion of children and other potentially vulnerable groups
  • Participant compensation or reimbursement
  • Cultural and community considerations
  • The qualifications and responsibilities of the research team
  • Plans for storing, using, sharing and disposing of research data

The Committee may also review important changes made to an approved study and ethical concerns reported during its implementation.

Committee Composition

The SRA Research Ethics Committee brings together professionals with relevant knowledge and experience in areas such as:

  • Research methods
  • Public health and medicine
  • Social and behavioural sciences
  • Ethics and law
  • Data protection
  • Community and participant perspectives

External specialists may be consulted when a proposal requires expertise that is not available within the Committee.

Independence and Conflicts of Interest

Committee members are expected to review applications fairly, objectively and confidentially. Members must declare any actual or potential conflict of interest and must not participate in decisions where their independence could reasonably be questioned.

Research commissioned, managed or conducted by SRA is subject to the same ethical-review requirements as research submitted by external applicants.

Possible Review Decisions

Following its review, the Committee may:

  • Approve the research
  • Approve it subject to specified conditions
  • Request revisions or additional information
  • Defer a decision pending further clarification
  • Decline approval where ethical concerns have not been adequately addressed

Applicants receive written communication explaining the Committee’s decision and any actions required.

Confidentiality

Research proposals, personal information and Committee discussions are handled confidentially. Information is accessed only by Committee members, authorised administrative staff and specialist reviewers involved in the assessment.

Apply for Ethical Review

Researchers, universities, government institutions, NGOs, development partners and private organizations conducting research involving human participants in Somalia may apply for ethical review.

To begin an application, visit the Apply for Ethical Approval page or contact sra@sra.so.