Investigators undertaking research studies on human subjects are expected to have basic ethics training/certification. AUA recommends Training and Resources in Research Ethics Evaluation (TRREE).TRREE is a free online human research training program for research ethics and evaluation. All AUA researchers engaged in human research must complete TRREE (modules 1, 2.1, and 3.1) before applying for an ethics review. Click here for more information.

A. Application Process for AUA Students and Staff

1. All applications must be in English and submitted through ethics@aua.ac.ke

2. The Principal Investigator (the main researcher) is responsible for submitting the application to the ISERC.

3. Principal Investigators (students and staff) with human research participants must complete a course in ethics training (within the last two years) before submitting a research proposal to the ISERC.

4. The complete AUA-ISERC Application Form should be emailed directly to ethics@aua.ac.ke with the following documents (soft/electronic copies) attached:

1. 1. AUA-ISERC submission checklist
   2. Research proposal
   3. Evidence of ethics training (certificate)
   4. Informed consent e. Instruments (e.g., questionnaire, interview guide, focus group discussion guide, observation checklist, etc.)

5. The primary adviser and program coordinator must approve student proposals before submission to the ISERC.

6. Applications that are not fully completed will be returned to the Principal Investigator for resubmission and will fall into the queue of new requests.

7. Applications that are not fully completed will be returned to the Principal Investigator for resubmission and will fall into the queue of new requests.

B. Application Process for External Researchers [Non-AUA researchers]

1. All applications must be in English and submitted through ethics@aua.ac.ke

2. The Principal Investigator (the main researcher) is responsible for submitting the application to the ISERC.

3. The complete AUA-ISERC Application Form should be emailed directly to ethics@aua.ac.ke with the following documents (soft/electronic copies) attached:

1. AUA-ISERC submission checklist
2. Research proposal
3. Informed consent
4. Instruments (e.g., questionnaire, interview guide, focus group discussion guide, observation checklist, etc.).

4. Proof of payment for ethics review services.

5. Applications that are not fully completed will be returned to the Principal Investigator for resubmission and will fall into the queue of new requests.

The AUA-ISERC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) outline the policies and procedures related to the review process.

1. Once the Secretary verifies the required documentation in consultation with the chair, a written confirmation is sent to the Principal Investigator along with a unique ID (reference number).

2. The average turnaround time from the meeting date to the final approval of a new application is estimated at three (3) to five (5) weeks. This can be more or less, depending on the quality of the application, the nature of the proposed research, and the PI’s response time to the ISERC’s review.

3. AUA-ISERC reviews occur at monthly meetings held on the third Tuesday of the month (holidays excluded, with a rescheduled date).

4. Depending on the risk level, proposals are subjected to either a full committee review, expedited review, or exempt review process.

5. Feedback will be provided in several ways: Approved, Conditionally Approved (subject to minor or major corrections), Not Approved, or No Decision made.

For submissions and queries related to ethics review, write to ethics@aua.ac.ke

1. AUA students and staff researchers are not charged for ethics review.
2. Non-AUA students and other researchers are charged a reasonable service fee for ethics
review services:

Payments: All payments for review should be made to ONE of the following accounts:

1. Mpesa (Most Preferred)

a) Lipa na Mpesa— Paybill
b) Business no. 203896
c) Account no. ISERC followed by your name d) Amount: Add Ksh. 50 to the review fee for bank transaction charges.

b. Equity Bank (USD Account):

i. Account Name: GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SDA (AUA)

ii. Account Number: 0610269069037

iii. Bank Branch: Ongata Rongai

iv. Bank Code: 068, Branch Code: 061, v. Swift Code: EQBLKENA

c. Ecobank (KES Account):

i. Account Name: Adventist University of Africa

ii. Account Number: 6670000030

iii. Bank Branch: Ongata Rongai

iv. Bank Code: 043, Branch Code: 024 v. Swift Code: ECOCKENA

(Forward the deposit slip to ethics@aua.ac.ke)