FAITH NDOU
Masvingo – Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) has partnered with the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ) in an initiative aimed at shaping the future of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and strengthening ethical standards in medical research.
The collaboration which is a three-day workshop at the Robert Mugabe School of Education brought together academics, researchers and innovators to deliberate on the role of IRBs in advancing health related studies.
Addressing participants, Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe Executive Secretary Tendai Kureya expressed his delight at engaging with GZU and emphasised the importance of robust research ethics systems.
“We are pleased to engage with Great Zimbabwe University on this important initiative. Strong Institutional Review Boards are essential in ensuring that research meets ethical standards and addresses real societal challenges,” said Prof. Kureya.
He highlighted that IRBs play a critical role in guiding medical research and ensuring that outcomes are ethically sound.
“Research must be ethically approved for it to be published and to improve the wellbeing of humanity,” he said.
Prof. Kureya also noted his keen interest in supporting the establishment of an IRB at GZU particularly given the institution’s growing focus on traditional medicine research.
Welcoming attendees, the Director of the GZU Innovation Hub Dr Desmond Mugadza said the workshop marks a significant step in strengthening the university’s research framework.
“This partnership will enhance our research capacity and ensure that studies conducted at GZU meet internationally recognised ethical standards,” said Dr. Mugadza.
He added that the initiative would help position the university as a centre of excellence in ethical and impactful research.
The workshop aims to deepen understanding of IRBs within the university and lay the groundwork for a structured ethics review system that safeguards research participants, upholds integrity and promotes credible research outcomes.
The partnership underscores GZU’s commitment to advancing medical research that is both innovative and ethically grounded, positioning the institution as a key player in shaping health solutions for Zimbabwe and beyond.
