Ethical approval for research in Somalia, reviewed by people who know the context
The SRA Research Ethics Committee reviews studies involving human participants in Somalia: surveys, interviews, focus groups, clinical and programme research. You get a clear, written decision, on time for your fieldwork.
Request the application form How it worksPlease note: SRA ethical approval is an independent institutional review. It does not replace any permission or approval required by federal or state authorities. Clinical trials and certain health studies may also require approval from the Ministry of Health or the Somali National Institute of Health.
Who we review for
Funders, universities and journals increasingly require local ethical approval for research carried out in Somalia. SRA provides it for:
International research & evaluation firms
Baselines, endlines, household surveys and qualitative studies for donor-funded programmes.
NGOs and humanitarian agencies
Needs assessments, programme research and studies with displaced or vulnerable communities.
Hospitals and clinical teams
Hospital-based and clinical studies by doctors and health researchers.
Universities and students
Master’s and PhD research by students of Somali and foreign universities collecting data in Somalia.
How it works
A short, structured process. Apply before data collection starts: approval is not issued retrospectively.
Request the form
Email [email protected]. You receive the institutional or student application form.
Submit your study
Return the completed form with your proposal, questionnaire or tools, and consent forms.
Committee review
We check the application and contact you if anything needs clarifying. Higher-risk studies receive a fuller review.
Written decision
You receive a signed decision letter: approval, approval with conditions, or requested revisions.
What the Committee looks at
Participant protection
- Purpose and ethical justification of the study
- Risks and expected benefits
- Recruitment and selection of participants
- Children and other groups needing extra protection
- Compensation or reimbursement
Consent, privacy and context
- Informed consent: written, oral or electronic, and in Somali
- Privacy, confidentiality and data protection
- Data shared with other organisations or transferred abroad
- Cultural and community considerations
- Qualifications of the research team
Why researchers choose SRA
Local knowledge
Reviewers understand Somalia’s communities, languages and fieldwork realities, so the review improves your study rather than delaying it.
Independent and confidential
Members declare conflicts of interest, and proposals and tools are kept confidential. SRA’s own studies go through the same review.
Practical support
Need your consent form or questionnaire in Somali? SRA also offers translation and data collection.
Common questions
Can I apply after data collection has started?
No. Ethical approval is not normally issued retrospectively once data collection or analysis has begun. Apply as early as possible in your planning.
Do I also need government approval?
SRA ethical approval is an independent institutional review. It does not replace any permission or approval required by federal or state authorities. Clinical trials and certain health studies may also require approval from the Ministry of Health or the Somali National Institute of Health. Where a study needs both, apply to SRA and to the relevant authority; mention any existing approvals in your application.
What documents do I need?
The completed application form, your research proposal or concept note, data collection tools (questionnaire, interview or focus-group guides) and consent forms. See the full requirements.
My study already has approval from another institution. Do I still need SRA approval?
Many funders and partners require approval from a body in the country where data is collected. Mention any existing approval in your application; it helps the Committee’s review.
Is there a fee?
Yes, a review fee applies, depending on the type of study and applicant. Email [email protected] for a quotation.
Who sits on the Committee?
Read about the Committee’s membership, independence and decision process on About the Committee.
Planning fieldwork in Somalia?
Request the application form today. Tell us your study title and planned data collection dates.