The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) is committed to advancing excellence in research and innovation. The Research and Ethics Committee plays a vital role in safeguarding integrity, responsibility, and compliance across all scholarly activities. This page provides essential information for undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty, and the wider research community.
Awareness and Purpose
The committee promotes awareness of ethical conduct in research through:
Seminars and workshops
Online resources and guidelines
Engagement with students and faculty
Our goal is to ensure that every researcher at AUST understands their responsibility in upholding integrity and accountability.
Rules and Research Ethics
All research at AUST must adhere to the following ethical principles:
Respect for human dignity, privacy, and confidentiality
Responsible handling of sensitive data and materials
Avoidance of plagiarism, falsification, and misconduct
Transparency and reproducibility in research findings
These rules protect the credibility of AUST’s scholarship and strengthen its global reputation.
Application to Use Materials or Datasets
Researchers intending to use specialized materials or datasets must submit an application to the committee. This process ensures:
Responsible use of materials within legal and ethical boundaries
Compliance with data protection regulations
Minimization of risks to participants or communities
Applications are reviewed promptly, with constructive feedback provided.
Ethical Clearance
No research involving human participants, sensitive datasets, or impactful interventions may proceed without ethical clearance. The committee reviews proposals to ensure compliance with ethical standards.
Approved projects receive an official clearance certificate.
Researchers must attach this certificate to their project documentation.
Download the Ethical Clearance Form:
The approved form is available here, the authorized page of the AUST website.
Research Regulations and Compliance
The committee enforces compliance with:
National and international research laws
Institutional policies on data management and intellectual property
Standards set by funding agencies and professional bodies
Regular monitoring and audits ensure ongoing compliance, while researchers receive guidance to meet these obligations.
Conclusion
The Research and Ethics Committee at AUST is a partner in advancing responsible and impactful scholarship. By promoting awareness, enforcing rules, granting ethical clearance, and ensuring compliance, the committee safeguards the integrity of research at AUST.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students, alongside faculty and collaborators, are encouraged to engage with the committee early in their research journey to ensure their work contributes positively to science, society, and humanity.
SIGNED BY
Chairman, Research Ethics Committee
AUST, Abuja, Nigeria