The Boitekanelo College (BC) Institutional Review Board (IRB):

 is mandated to evaluate research proposals of the public (researchers who want to carry out research in BC); BC staff and student and grant ethical clearance. Upon clearance, we submit the proposals when entail research carried outside BC to the Ministry of Health Research Unit, which issues the researchers a research permit.

We hereby request the submission of proposals. Please be advised that the committee meets on the last Thursday of each month. You are required to send a proposal that includes all of your data collection tools, a completed Ministry of Health research permit application form, and the CVs of all participating researchers. Our committee's operations are governed by the BC IRB terms of reference, and we are accountable to the MOH Research Unit. Your correspondence will be acknowledged upon submission of your proposals, and you will be given the necessary direction. We look forward to working with you all and ensure that research is conducted ethically.

Research Capacity Building and Mentorship Sub-Committee: 

is an integral part of the Research, Innovation, and Development Committee. This sub-committee is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of faculty and staff by building their research capacity and providing mentorship opportunities. The primary mission of this sub-committee is to cultivate an environment that promotes research excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.

The key objectives of the Capacity Building and Mentorship Sub-Committee include:

• Enhancing Research Competencies: To provide training and resources that improve research skills among faculty and staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to engage in high-quality research activities.
• Fostering Innovation: To promote innovative practices in research and development, encouraging participants to apply their findings in practical and impactful ways.
• Establishing Effective Mentorship: To create structured mentorship programs that connect experienced researchers with emerging scholars, facilitating knowledge transfer, guidance, and support.
• Facilitating Collaboration: To encourage collaborative research efforts among various stakeholders, including academia, industry, and community organisations, thereby enhancing the relevance and impact of research.
• Writing Retreats: To organize writing retreats that serve as focused sessions for researchers to develop their writing skills. These retreats provide an environment conducive to productivity, allowing participants to work on manuscripts, research proposals, and other written materials while receiving mentorship and constructive feedback from peers and seasoned faculty members.

The Capacity Building and Mentorship Sub-Committee engages in a variety of activities including:

• Workshops and Training Sessions: Regularly scheduled workshops focused on key areas such as research methodologies, data analysis techniques, grant writing, and publication strategies. These sessions are designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to enhance their research output.
• Mentorship Programs: Development of mentorship initiatives where junior researchers are paired with experienced mentors. These relationships provide guidance on research projects, career development, and academic writing.
• Writing Retreats: organize writing retreats that offer participants dedicated time away from their usual responsibilities to focus on their writing. These retreats include structured writing time, peer review sessions, and one-on-one mentorship opportunities, all aimed at helping participants complete their writing projects effectively.
• Collaborative Research Projects: Encouragement of collaborative research efforts that involve interdisciplinary teams, promoting knowledge exchange and diverse perspectives in addressing research challenges.
• Networking Events: Hosting events that allow researchers to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and other academics, facilitating the exchange of ideas and potential partnerships.

Contact Information:

 For further information about the Capacity Building and Mentorship Sub-Committee and its activities, please reach out to the following contact persons:

• Dr Pretty Murambiwa - pmurambiwa@boitekanelo.ac.bw