The GamREMTI 2026 Workshop began on a high note, bringing together scholars and professionals committed to advancing research ethics and methodology across Africa, while also marking a significant milestone, celebrating five years of success and impact in strengthening research ethics capacity in The Gambia. The workshop opened with welcome remarks from Prof. Herbert Robinson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of The Gambia (UTG), setting an inspiring tone for the event.
Day 1 featured a powerful keynote address delivered by Prof. Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole, Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. Her presentation, titled “The Confluence of Academic and Research Ethics: Shaping the Future of African Academia,” underscored the critical need to integrate academic integrity with research ethics to foster credible, responsible, and forward-looking academic institutions across the continent.
The day also featured a special presentation by Prof. Veronica P. S. Njie-Carr, Principal Investigator of GamREMTI, who reflected on the initiative’s five-year journey. She highlighted key achievements, the growth of the program, and its contributions to strengthening research ethics training and capacity development in The Gambia and its international impact. In addition, participants benefited from insightful sessions delivered by the Executive Directors of Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF), the Student Revolving Loan Scheme (SRLS), and the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET), as well as a representative from the National Research & Innovation Fund (NRIF), who highlighted potential sources of funding support for students and research programs, providing valuable guidance on accessing research funding opportunities.
Day 2 continued with insightful presentations from distinguished experts covering key areas such as research ethics approval processes, research integrity frameworks, ethics in academic practice, ethical scholarship in the age of AI, and academic integrity in The Gambia. The day concluded with reflections by Dr. Effua Usuf, reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong ethical standards in research.
On Day 3, participants engaged in practical discussions on ethical clinical research led by Dr. Armel Zemsi, Head of Clinical Trials Unit, MRCG, alongside valuable insights from Mr. Lamin Suwareh, Retired Head of the Gambia School of Nursing and Midwifery and GamREMTI Curriculum Committee Member. The program overview by Dr. Jainaba Sey-Sawo provided information about the application process and a deeper understanding of GamREMTI’s mission, followed by a call for socio-culturally relevant case studies led by Dr. Effua Usuf. The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Veronica P. S. Njie-Carr, including a call to action, marking the end of an inspiring event.
As GamREMTI celebrates five years of success and impact, the 2026 Workshop reaffirms its commitment to advancing ethical, high-quality research and strengthening research capacity across Africa.
