Research Ethics Education Program in Jordan: Achievements and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Medical Education
• Research Integrity

Background:

• The Fogarty-NIH-funded Research Ethics Education Program initiated in 2015 in Jordan.
• Collaboration between the University of California-San Diego and Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a research ethics education program in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
• To enhance individual and institutional capacity for research ethics education.

Main Methods:

• Phase 1: Trained 118 researchers from 13 countries in empirical research methods and research ethics, including a fellowship in Responsible Conduct of Research.
• Phase 2 (launched 2022): Established a regional master's in bioethics program.
• Developed self-learning training modules in Arabic, issuing over 2,000 completion certificates.
• Organized nine regional conferences on research ethics.

Main Results:

• Significant capacity building in research ethics across the MENA region.
• Successful training of researchers and enrollment in a master's program.
• Widespread dissemination of research ethics knowledge through Arabic modules and conferences.

Conclusions:

• The program has demonstrably improved research ethics education capacity in the MENA region.
• The multi-faceted approach, including training, advanced degrees, and accessible modules, has been effective.
• The initiative has fostered a stronger culture of research integrity in the region.