Building Capacity for the Ethical Conduct of Genetic and Genomic Research in Nigeria: The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Research Ethics Training Program

Abstract

Background and Objective: The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Research Ethics Training Program (V-NET) is an innovative research ethics training program that aims to address the increasing demand for research in precision medicine in Africa by building capacity for the ethical design, conduct, and oversight of genetic and genomic research in Nigeria.

Methods: The program includes creation of a Master of Science (MSc) degree program in research ethics, training of 15 MSc students, and the integration of a genomics-focused ethics curriculum into a faculty enrichment program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), benefiting eight Nigerian researchers over 5 years. Twelve Nigerian Institutional Review Board (IRB) members will participate in a practicum at VUMC to enhance their skills in protocol review and administrative procedures. Other capacity-building activities include an annual workshop for IRB members in Nigeria on the protection of human subjects in research, responsible conduct of research, ethics of genetic/genomic research, and review of genomic research protocols (~150 trainees), and the creation of a curricular toolkit in ethics of genetic/genomic research tailored to Nigerian IRB members, in addition to quarterly webinars.

Results: V-NET will equip a group of Nigerian scientists with advanced skills, positioning them as leaders in the ethical design and review of genetic and genomic research within Nigeria’s dynamic research environment.

Conclusion and Implications for Translation: Research ethics training programs are essential for strengthening the ethical design and implementation of clinical and translational research, particularly in low-  and middleincome countries.