The EXCEL-RITE Conference ((Exploring Excellence in Collaboration, Ethical Conduct, and Leadership for Research Integrity Through Empowerment) is an initiative designed to elevate the standards of research integrity, ethical practices, and collaboration in Nigeria. Organised by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) in collaboration with key national and international stakeholders, the conference brings together researchers, policymakers, institutional leaders, and ethics committees to address challenges in the research landscape and champion a culture of excellence in research practices.

Aims and Objectives

The EXCEL-RITE Conference is built on a vision to foster responsible conduct in research, enhance collaboration, and drive impactful change across disciplines. The key aims and objectives include:

  • Promoting Research Integrity
    Establishing best practices and standards to uphold the credibility of research processes and outcomes and encouraging adherence to ethical principles and preventing misconduct in scientific endeavours.
  • Strengthening Capacity Building
    Equipping researchers, students, and institutional leaders with the knowledge and skills to implement ethical research practices and facilitating cross-disciplinary learning through training, workshops, and collaborative programs.
  • Enhancing Collaboration and Policy Development
    Bridging gaps between academia, government, and industry for effective partnerships.
    Supporting the development of policies that align with global standards for research ethics and governance.
  • Encouraging Responsible and Impactful Research
    Empowering researchers to address societal and public health challenges through innovative and ethically sound studies by promoting the use of research findings for evidence-based policy formulation and implementation.
  • Building a Sustainable Research Ecosystem
    Strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure long-term adherence to ethical and professional standards.
    Encouraging institutions to adopt and implement lessons learned during the conference.

The Impact of the EXCEL-RITE Conference

The EXCEL-RITE Conference is more than just an event—it is a movement to transform the research landscape in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration and driving conversations on research integrity, the conference is poised to achieve the following:

The project aims to equip individuals and organisations with the tools to conduct high-quality, impactful, and ethical research. To facilitate the adoption of ethical guidelines and best practices across institutions and research programs and to build bridges between researchers, policymakers, and institutions to solve pressing societal challenges. The project aims to foster confidence in research outcomes by promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity among research stakeholders in Nigeria.

Eligibility of Participants for the EXCEL-RITE Conference

To achieve this goal, we aim to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders whose contributions can create meaningful and lasting impact. Participants eligible for this conference are individuals and organizations actively engaged in or influencing the landscape of research ethics, governance, and compliance.

Who Should Attend?

  1. Academics and Researchers
    • Faculty members and researchers from universities and academic institutions across disciplines.
    • Post-graduate students actively involved in research projects, particularly those conducting studies involving human subjects.
    • Students and young scholars with an interest in research ethics and a commitment to building a culture of integrity.
  2. Institutional Ethics Committees
    • Members of institutional review boards and ethics committees responsible for overseeing and safeguarding ethical standards in research involving human participants.
  3. Regulatory Agencies
    • Representatives from regulatory bodies overseeing the conduct of research, ensuring compliance with national and international guidelines.
  4. Ministries of Health
    • Policymakers, advisers, and representatives from federal and state Ministries of Health who influence public health research policies and implementation.
  5. Research Organizations and Institutions
    • Researchers and administrators from public and private research organizations committed to advancing ethical and impactful studies.
    • Professionals from organizations conducting clinical trials, public health research, and other studies critical to national development.
  6. Policy Stakeholders
    • Decision-makers, legal advisors, and institutional leaders involved in shaping policies that drive research integrity and compliance.
  7. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
    • NGOs actively participating in research initiatives and advocacy for ethical research practices.

Why Participate?

The conference is designed for individuals and institutions who are committed to:

  • Enhancing the credibility, transparency, and accountability of research in Nigeria.
  • Adopting and implementing best practices in research governance.
  • Building a sustainable and collaborative research ecosystem that prioritizes the responsible conduct of research.

By bringing together this diverse group of stakeholders, the EXCEL-RITE Conference aims to foster a shared vision for a robust and ethical research environment in Nigeria, creating lasting change for the nation’s academic, public health, and scientific communities.