The Center for Bioethics and Research (CBR) Nigeria, in partnership with the University Research Office of the Central Office of Research at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), recently concluded a two-day intensive training on the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). Held on June 20-21, 2024, at OAU’s Ile-Ife campus, the training aimed to bolster ethical standards and research integrity among faculty and staff.

The event began with participant registration and an opening ceremony, setting an engaging tone for the sessions. Key topics covered included data falsification and manipulation, conflicts of interest, plagiarism, data fabrication, authorship, collaborative research, data sharing, mentoring, harassment management, and publication ethics. Interactive exercises like the Dilemma Game and the Ring of Gyges exercise facilitated ethical decision-making, while case studies focused on creating a safe working environment and handling research misconduct.

Participants responded enthusiastically, committed to applying their new knowledge in their respective departments. The training’s practical focus, combined with real-life scenarios and case studies, significantly enhanced the learning experience. Additionally, participants gained insights into the operations of the OAU Research Ethics Committee as well as the roles and responsibilities of the Departmental Research Committees.

This training represents a major step forward in strengthening research integrity at OAU, fostering a culture of ethical research practices, and promoting a safe and inclusive research environment. The collaboration between CBR Nigeria and OAU sets a valuable precedent for future initiatives to enhance responsible research conduct in Nigeria and beyond.