The Kenya research integrity forum hosted by Training Centre in Communication TCC Africa and Digital Science in partnership with NACOSTI brought research experts into a discussion on matters research where different topics of concern were put across to better and promote integrity in scholarly and scientific inquiry.
The workshop underscored the central role of research integrity in advancing national development goals, and mandate informing evidence-based policymaking, and sustaining public trust in science.
NACOSTI Ag. Director Dr. David Ngigi highlighting on the regulators mandate during the workshop.
In his remarks, National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. David Ngigi noted that a well-regulated research ecosystem is not only about compliance but also about creating an enabling environment for innovation and knowledge generation. Strengthened regulatory systems will position Kenya as a hub for credible research in Africa, attract international collaborations, and ensure that local research outputs address pressing societal challenges.
NACOSTI Ag. Director General Dr. David Ngigi speaking on unethical concerns in research during the forum.
NACOSTI Ag. Director General Dr. David Ngigi presenting on the importance of Licensing.
On the other hand, National Scientific and Ethical Review Committee Member Dr. Hastings Ozwara highlighted that responsible animal research should be guided by the internationally recognized principles where seeking alternatives to animal use whenever possible, such as computer modelling, Using the minimum number of animals necessary to achieve reliable results, thereby avoiding wasteful or repetitive studies and minimizing pain, suffering, and distress by improving housing, handling, and experimental procedures.
Speaking in the forum Dr. Ozwara emphasized that integrity in animal research is not just about scientific rigor, but also about upholding ethical responsibility and protecting animal welfare at all costs. In conclusion, Dr. Ozwara called on the scientific community to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, compassion, and honesty in animal research.
On matters mentorship and culture building on research, KEMRI Research Integrity Committee Chairperson and Chief Researcher Dr. Elizabeth Anne Bukusi highlighted on the importance of developing a culture and an environment where research is valued and integrated into teaching and learning, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and the creation of new knowledge to advance in research.
Dr. Elizabeth Bukusi emphasized that inculcating a culture of research integrity is not simply about compliance with rules but also embedding ethical principles into the very fabric of research practice and avoiding misconduct practices that will deter research from its course.
On the forum the importance of institutions and individuals to promote trust in research was brought about by Ripeta Founder and Digital Science VP of Research Dr Leslie McIntosh who talked of Trustmakers which are key indicators, practices, and systems that allow the research community to evaluate whether research is reliable and transparent.
Trust in research need to be incorporated in openness in sharing data, methodologies, upholding of ethical standards and regulatory compliance.
Dr. McIntosh emphasized that researchers must adopt these trust markers to strengthen credibility, reduce misconduct, and align with global standards of integrity.
On matters of registration, a researcher can only be identified through a system that allows them to do registration and entire process of research.
At the Kenya Research Integrity Forum, Lombe Tembo, the Regional Engagement Specialist for ORCID in Africa, highlighted the crucial role of Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) in strengthening integrity and visibility within the research ecosystem.
Apart from identification, Tembo explained that ORCID fosters transparency and accountability by linking researchers to their publications.
Tembo concluded by encouraging Kenyan institutions to integrate ORCID into their systems, noting that the collective uptake of ORCID will not only strengthen research governance but also advance Africa’s presence in global knowledge production of research.
At the Kenya Research Integrity forum, Team manager Publication Ethics at the Public Library for Science (PLOS), Maria Zalm talked of the urgent need to embed integrity at every stage of scholarly publishing. Addressing researchers, editors, and policy leaders, she urged stakeholders to work together to ensure transparency, accountability, and trust in research.
Zalm also called for Kenyan institutions to take the lead by building capacity through researcher training.
Misconduct in research will lead to withdrawing or retracting research publications to safeguard integrity. Retraction Watch Co- founder Ivan Oransky brought the forum into an attention to the growing but insufficient number of research retractions in scholarly publishing.
Oransky noted that while retractions are becoming more common worldwide, they remain far fewer than the actual cases of misconduct, errors, and unethical practices in research. He emphasized that this gap poses a serious threat to trust, transparency and credibility.
The forum concluded with a call to action that all stakeholders in research must work collectively to safeguard integrity and strengthen regulatory frameworks.