A training workshop on research ethics in the fields of social sciences and humanities held at Arbaminch University

A workshop on research ethics in the fields of social sciences and humanities kicked off today at Arbaminch University and will continue for three days till 25 June 2022. The workshop is organized by the Social Sciences for Severe Stigmatizing Skin Diseases (5S Foundation) Ethiopia project in collaboration with Arbaminch University (ESSSWA South West Chapter). Academic staff drawn from eight departments of the college of social sciences are participating in the workshop. Arbaminch University became the second in cascading research ethics training after Wolkite University. This important workshop is financed by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS). Professor Getnet Tadele, PI of the 5S Ethiopia project made an official opening remark in the workshop. First he acknowledged the Arbaminch University team for organizing the workshop and their kind hospitality. He briefly described the aim, mission and focus area of the 5S Foundation project. He stated that well trained social science professionals are very important for conducting high quality research. It is with this assumption that the 5S foundation project is determined to support and organize this research ethics training for professionals who are engaged in teaching and research. Prof Getnet also emphasized that it is crucial to know the principles, rules and conduct just and ethically sound research. In his remark professor Getnet highlighted the controversies and dilemmas debated in relation to research ethics. At the end he indicated that research ethics principles should be locally contextualized or indigenized, and emphasized the need for widespread community engagement, engaging local Institutional Research Review Boards (IRBs) and facilitating training of researchers at all levels are very important to ensure high quality and ethically sound research in the social science fields. Dr. Mulugeta Debele, Dean of College of Social Sciences (CSS), Arbaminch University warmly welcomed Prof. Getnet, the 5S team and workshop participants and acknowledged the 5S Foundation project for the financial and technical support provided to organize the workshop. He mentioned that there was a very high demand to attend the research ethics workshop from the college of social sciences but it was not possible to accommodate all due to the training standards that require a limited number of participants. The university is one of the eight research universities in the country and has more than seven accredited scientific journals, thus organizing such a capacity building workshop for the university staff is very important to ensure quality research in which the university aspires to achieve. He also indicated that the CSS has strong interest to closely work with the 5S Foundation. Finally, he advised the trainees to actively and attentively attend the training. Dr. Bayisa Feye and Mr. Alazar Lissanu from the Arbaminch University and Mr. Garedew Yilma from 5S Foundation Ethiopia project will continue delivering the training till 25 June 2022 at Arbaminch University Campus.