GARISSA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND ETHICS REVIEW COMMITTEE

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Dr. Fatuma Aden Affey (PhD, MscN)

Senior Lecturer, Chairperson GAU-ISERC

Email gauiserc@gmail.com

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRPERSON GARISSA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND ETHICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Garissa University Institutional Scientific Ethics Review Committee (GAU–ISERC) Office is duly accredited by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) on 13th February 2026 under Accreditation Number NACOSTI/NSEC/AC/04926. The office is responsible for promoting a strong culture of ethical and responsible research at Garissa University. GAU-ISERC ensures compliance with Kenyan and international research regulations by reviewing and overseeing all research involving human participants and communities in accordance with established ethical standards and legal requirements.

GAU–ISERC conducts ethical reviews of proposed research in the fields of health, social sciences, and environmental studies. The Committee has established a mentorship collaboration and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Laikipia University Institutional Scientific Ethics Review Committee (LU–ISERC). Furthermore, the University is in the process of establishing additional Memoranda of Understanding with other institutions to strengthen collaboration and capacity in ethical research review.

GAU–ISERC works under the regulatory framework of NACOSTI and ensures compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and standards related to human and animal research welfare. The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of approved research projects, preparing and submitting periodic and annual compliance reports to NACOSTI. The Committee is mandated to safeguard the dignity, rights, safety, and wellbeing of all research participants and communities, with special consideration given to studies involving vulnerable populations. In this regard, the Committee reviews all submitted research applications in accordance with established GAU–ISERC procedures and guidelines before any research activities are initiated. Each proposal is carefully evaluated to assess potential risks and benefits to participants, and to ensure adequate measures are in place for privacy protection, confidentiality, informed consent, and justice.

In the future, GAU–ISERC aims to strengthen institutional capacity by developing networks and collaborations with other Institutional Scientific Ethics Review Committees (ISERCs) both regionally and internationally.

Therefore, we are pleased to inform the general public that the GAU-ISERC is now operational and a number of protocols from international students and staff have already been received and reviewed. The committee will be meeting on the second Monday of every month, with flexibility for more meetings allowed based on the submissions received.

Applicants are requested to hand in their documents at least two (2) weeks before the next meeting date in order to give the secretariat enough time for processing. Late submission will be rolled over to the subsequent meeting. Application submission is down via gauiserc@gau.ac.ke

Vision
To promote high-quality, value-based ethical research, innovation, and scholarly publications that address emerging challenges .

Mission
To safeguard and promote ethical research by nurturing responsible scholarship through ethical review, innovation, consultancy, community engagement, and capacity building, while upholding research integrity and protecting the rights, dignity, and welfare of research participants in service to society

Core values:

Integrity
Professionalism
Corporate social responsibility.
Innovation
Discipline
Efficiency

Mandate of GaU-ISERC Office

To provide independent, objective and timely review of research proposals and make decisions on the scientific and ethical merits.
To promote ethical standards of research health, education, social sciences and sciences;
To safeguard the dignity and rights of research participants as well as non-human, plants and environment;
To facilitate correction and registration of research protocols;
Recommend proposals to NACOSTI for granting of research permits

Member of GAU– ISERC