Scientific Ethical Review Committee
Rongo University (RU-SERC)
About RU-SERC
The main responsibility of the Rongo University Scientific Ethical Review Committee (RU-SERC) is to protect potential participants in research while considering potential risks and benefits for the communities in which the research will be carried out. The committee also protects investigators from possible exploitation by authorities where necessary. Its ultimate goal is to promote high ethical standards in research for the health of society and overall well-being.
Objectives of the Committee
- Streamline research processes for timely execution and delivery of results.
- Review adequacy of informed consent documents.
- Assess procedures to obtain participants’ informed consent.
- Act in the interests of participants and concerned communities.
- Ensure fair distribution of research benefits and burdens.
- Record and report research activities responsibly.
- Identify financial or personal conflicts affecting research.
Areas of Focus
RU-SERC reviews research in the following areas:
Health & Biomedical Sciences
Ethical review of medicine, healthcare systems, and biomedical innovations.
Agricultural & Biological Sciences
Research involving agriculture, biological processes, food security and biotechnology.
Social Sciences
Studies involving human behaviour, education, social development and community research.
Environmental Sciences
Research addressing environmental sustainability, climate change and ecosystem management.
Proposal Processing Charges
Students
| Level | RU Students (USD) | RU Students (KES) | Non-RU Students (USD) | Non-RU Students (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | $55 | Ksh.5000 | $60 | Ksh.5500 |
| Masters | $25 | Ksh.2000 | $30 | Ksh.2500 |
| Undergraduate | $15 | Ksh.1000 | $20 | Ksh.1500 |
Projects
| Project Type | RU Staff (USD) | RU Staff (KES) | Non-RU Staff (USD) | Non-RU Staff (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Funded | $55 | Ksh.5000 | $110 | Ksh.10000 |
| Funded (Up to 10 Million) | $230 | Ksh.20000 | $500 | Ksh.40000 |
| Funded (Above 10 Million) | $450 | Ksh.40000 | $850 | Ksh.80000 |
Procedure for Proposal Submission
All research proposals must be submitted via the online portal and 2 hardcopies delivered to RU-SERC Secretariat. Screening includes:
- Duly filled and signed proposal submission forms
- Study proposal with informed consent forms and instruments
- Local ethics approval
- Payment receipts
Decision Making and Notification
Only fully documented proposals are forwarded to RU-IREC for review.
Types of Reviews
- Full Committee Review: Proposals with more than minimal risk reviewed by two members; PI may respond to queries.
- Expedited Review: Minimal risk proposals reviewed by three members within 5 working days.
- Exemption: Research with no risk or publicly available data.
- Accelerated Review: Public health emergencies reviewed by two members within 5 days.
- Continuing Review: Periodic six-month progress review.
Review Verdict
Decisions made by consensus: Approve, Defer, or Reject, based on risk-benefit evaluation.
Communication to PI
Outcomes communicated electronically; summary forms and hardcopies available at RU-SERC office.
Confidentiality
Strict confidentiality of documents; disposed securely within one year.