
1. NWU Integrated Research Integrity Management System (IRIMS)
Enhance Capacity in Research Ethics and Integrity | services.nwu.ac.za
At the NWU the Integrated Research Integrity Management System (IRIMS) since 2022 guides all managers and researchers of the Faculties to ensure Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). The session gives an overview of important concepts that ground both research ethics and research integrity within the NWU IRIMS system, as well as provide an overview of the NWU IRIMS’s structures, processes, and procedures. The greater scientific community of an institution can only innovate and flourish when its members function together as a body that ensures a climate that promotes confidence and trust in its research practices and findings through fostering a climate of Responsible Conduct of Research and having clear guidelines on managing potential breaches in research integrity through transparent processes. The value and benefits of the mentioned research is vitally dependent on the research ethics practices applied during the conduct of research, as well as the integrity of the research practices followed at the institution. Research ethics is seen as a subset of research integrity but is often confused as being the same.
Active adherence to ethical principles, norms, and standards, as well as defined professional responsibilities are essential for Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).
Active adherence in this context means the adoption of these principles, norms, and standards, as well as responsibilities as a personal credo in all research practices and not simply accepting it as impositions by rule-makers. Adhering to these practices of research integrity allows the university to be at the cutting edge of research both nationally as well as Internationally.
NOTE: Supervisors should complete IRIMS training and obtain ethics approval for large projects, including small student projects for January/February recruits. This will help avoid delays caused by the limited availability of IRIMS training early in the year.
IRIMS training is valid for three years.
The IRIMS training sessions for 2025 are scheduled as follows:
- 20 February: 14:00 - 17:00
- 19 May: 10:00 - 13:00
- 15 July: 10:00 - 13:00
- 21 August: 10:00 - 13:00
- 6 November: 10:00 - 13:00
The IRIMS training sessions for 2026 are scheduled as follows:
- 19 February: 10:00 - 13:00
- 18 May: 10:00 - 13:00
- 20 August: 10:00 - 13:00
- 5 November: 10:00 - 13:00
Contact information:
Ms. Feziwe Mseleni
feziwe.mseleni@nwu.ac.za
NWU Research Support Assistant
2. Research Ethics Training provided by The Ethics Office
Following the promulgation of the new Department of Health and the National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC) guidelines for 2024, it is a requirement for all researchers applying for ethical approval to provide proof of formal training in research ethics within the past three years.
The Ethics Office will provide an opportunity for research ethics training during 2025, which will occur in-person on the Potchefstroom Campus as well as online via Microsoft Teams. Please make use of these opportunities. The details for the training opportunities can be found in the following links:
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The Basics of Animal Research Ethics (See details of training here)
Training Inquiries:
Mr Buti Majola
Senior Administrative Officer
+27 18 299 2197
ayanda.majola@nwu.ac.za
Mr Nasiep Kruger
Senior Administrative Officer
+27 18 299 4891
nasiep.kruger@nwu.ac.za
3. Training opportunities advertised for the NWU community
https://services.nwu.ac.za/research-support/enhance-capacity-research-ethics-and-integrity
Contact information:
Ms. Feziwe Mseleni
feziwe.mseleni@nwu.ac.za
NWU Research Support Assistant