1. Introduction

Orapuh is committed to conducting research with integrity, excellence, and adherence to ethical standards. This policy establishes the framework, principles, and procedures for the governance and oversight of research activities conducted within Orapuh.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all research activities conducted, sponsored, or supported by Orapuh, including but not limited to academic research, clinical research, and community-based research.

3. Principles

  • Ethical Conduct: Orapuh researchers are expected to conduct research with honesty, integrity, and respect for the rights and welfare of research participants, as well as in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
  • Transparency: Orapuh is committed to transparency in research activities, including the disclosure of conflicts of interest, sources of funding, and potential risks or benefits associated with research projects.
  • Accountability: Orapuh researchers are accountable for the ethical conduct of their research activities, including obtaining necessary approvals, adhering to research protocols, and accurately reporting research findings.
  • Quality Assurance: Orapuh will implement quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the integrity, validity, and reliability of research data and findings. This includes rigorous study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting practices.

4. Research Governance Framework

  • Research Oversight Committee: Orapuh will establish a Research Ethics Board (OREB) responsible for providing oversight and governance of research activities within the organisation. The OREB will be composed of multidisciplinary experts with relevant expertise and experience in research ethics, methodology, and compliance.
  • Research Ethics Review: All research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive data must undergo ethical review and approval by Orapuh Research Ethics Board (OREB) before commencement. Researchers must obtain informed consent from participants and ensure their rights and welfare are protected throughout the research process.
  • Research Compliance: Orapuh will ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies governing research activities, including but not limited to data protection, intellectual property rights, export controls, and research integrity.
  • Research Integrity: Orapuh will promote research integrity by fostering a culture of responsible conduct of research, addressing conflicts of interest, and investigating allegations of research misconduct in accordance with established procedures.

5. Data Management and Security

  • Data Management Plan: Researchers must develop and implement a data management plan outlining procedures for the collection, storage, sharing, and retention of research data. Data must be managed in accordance with applicable data governance policies and standards.
  • Data Security: Orapuh will implement appropriate technical, physical, and administrative safeguards to protect research data from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or loss. Researchers must ensure data security measures are implemented throughout the research lifecycle.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

  • Ownership and Attribution: Orapuh researchers retain intellectual property rights to their research findings, subject to any agreements or policies governing intellectual property ownership. Proper attribution and acknowledgment of contributions must be provided in research publications and dissemination activities.
  • Commercialisation: Orapuh will support researchers in commercialising research outcomes through technology transfer, licensing agreements, or other mechanisms, while ensuring equitable distribution of benefits and protection of intellectual property rights.

7. Collaboration and Partnerships

  • Collaborative Research: Orapuh encourages collaboration and partnerships with external stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry partners, and community organisations, to enhance research impact and relevance. Collaborative research projects must adhere to Orapuh’s research governance policies and standards.

8. Training and Education

  • Research Ethics Training: Orapuh will provide training and education on research ethics, compliance, and best practices to researchers, staff, and students involved in research activities. Training programmes will be tailored to address specific research disciplines and regulatory requirements.

9. Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Research Monitoring: Orapuh will implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess compliance with research governance policies and identify areas for improvement. Research activities will be subject to periodic audits, inspections, and reviews to ensure adherence to ethical standards and regulatory requirements.

10. Review and Revision

This Research Governance Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness, relevance, and alignment with Orapuh’s mission and objectives. Updates and revisions will be made as necessary to reflect changes in laws, regulations, or best practices in research governance.

This Research Governance Policy is approved by the Orapuh Oversight and Academic Board (OAB) and will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders within the organisation. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all individuals involved in research activities under the auspices of Orapuh.