The 5S Foundation Project, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers, and Anthropologists (ESSSWA), organized a three-day capacity building training workshop on Research Ethics and Writing for Publication in the Social Science and Humanities

The Social Sciences for Severe Stigmatizing Skin Diseases (The 5-S Foundation Ethiopia) project, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers, and Anthropologists (ESSSWA), organized a three-day capacity building training workshop on Research Ethics and Writing for Publication in the Social Science and Humanities at Addis Ababa's Ras Amba Hotel. The training will continue for three days until December 15, 2023. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) financed this essential workshop through Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS).

The training brought together over 20 professionals from academia, research institutions, government and non-government organizations, 5S project researchers, and ESSSWA members, including seven females. Dr. Ezana Amdework, President of ESSSWA BoaRD, welcomed all participants and commended the high turnout at the training. He emphasized that ESSSWA currently needs the support of its members in various ways. After the training, trainees of this research ethics are expected to support the ESSSWA IRB and wished the participant a fruitful discussion.

Professor Genet Tadele, Country lead and Principal Investigator of the 5S foundation project Ethiopia, welcomed the attendees and expressed his sincere gratitude. He briefly described the aim, mission, and focus area of the 5S Foundation project. He stated that well-trained social science professionals are essential for conducting high-quality research. Therefore, the 5S Foundation project is determined to support and organize this research ethics training for professionals 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 remarks, 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 to ensure high-quality and ethically sound research in the social science fields.

During the entire training period, various training topics will be discussed, including History and Origin of Bioethics, Overview of the new comprehensive NRERC Guideline, Informed Consent, Privacy and Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest and Risk Benefit Assessment in Ethical Issues, Research with Vulnerable Populations, Registration of IRB/IEC, Research Ethics in the Social Sciences and Humanities (with a focus on principles of ethics, procedures, and process of ethical approval). In addition to topics related to research ethics, an interesting topic on Writing for Publication will also be discussed in the training in the coming days.