By: Puleng Maphisa – 01 February 2024

To enhance the research efficiency within the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) community, the Central Research Ethics Committee has a pivotal role to play.

The proactive approach of providing training sessions was a strategic response to the implementation of the Research Ethics policy in 2018. Recently, the Committee conducted training sessions in the IT Boardroom from 30 – 31 January 2024, which were skilfully facilitated by Professor Allan John Munro and Professor Thiriloshani Padayachee.

The primary objective of these sessions was to familiarise researchers and supervisors with the critical significance of applying ethical principles to uphold research integrity within the university’s research domain. By looking into the guidelines and procedures integral to the application process, the training aimed to empower researchers to navigate the ethical landscape effectively.

Furthermore, the training sessions served as a crucial platform for researchers and supervisors alike to understand the notes of writing a well-structured research proposal and methodology. In doing so, the focus was not only on complying with ethical standards but also on the pivotal role that clear, outlined research proposals play in the research process.

Supervisors, being active in guiding their students, gained valuable insights into the importance of ethical considerations in research. This training equipped them to provide clear guidance, emphasizing the vital elements of an ethically sound research approach. Recognizing that the cornerstone of ethical research lies in a carefully outlined research proposal and methodology, the sessions fostered a deeper understanding of the interconnection between research ethics and the overall research process.

The commitment of the VUT to such comprehensive training underscores its dedication to fostering a research community that is not only compliant with ethical standards but is also practiced at conducting high-quality and impactful research