MUBASREC Orients New Members on Ethical Research Review Responsibilities
April 30, 2026
Facilitators and members captured during the MUBASREC induction
The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MUBASREC) has oriented newly nominated members to equip them with knowledge and skills required to effectively carry out ethical review responsibilities. The orientation focused on familiarizing members with the committee’s composition, mandate and governance structures, while emphasizing ethical principles that guide research involving human participants, animals and the environment. During the session, members were taken through their roles and responsibilities in protocol review, with facilitators highlighting the importance of identifying ethical concerns and ensuring scientific validity in research proposals. The meeting also provided an overview of regulatory frameworks governing research ethics in Malawi, including the role of the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) in regulating institutional review boards such as MUBASREC. Participants further learned about the committee’s operational procedures, including meeting schedules, decision-making processes and confidentiality obligations expected of members. Newly appointed members were also required to sign confidentiality forms as part of their commitment to uphold ethical standards in research review. Speaking during the orientation, the facilitators emphasized that the induction is an important requirement for every new member before undertaking committee duties, as it ensures they are well prepared to contribute effectively to ethical research oversight. The orientation reflects MUBAS’ commitment to strengthening ethical research governance and promoting responsible research practices.
