Ethics approval fees constrain early career researchers in Africa: a call for alternative financing for ethics committees

Abstract

Although the research outputs of African scholars have increased over the years, the continent contributes less than 5% of global scientific publications. 1,2 Early career researchers (ECRs) are key in undertaking research that will shape the future of clinical care and public health in Africa, where the burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases is converging.3 An ERC is one within their first 5 years of academic or research-related employment following completion of postgraduate research training.4 In Africa, ERCs are usually at assistant lecturer or lecturer level in research institutes, universities, polytechnics or colleges.5 The foremost challenge faced by ECRs in Africa is lack of funding.1 In one survey, ERCs in Africa were reported to receive a median of US$5000 funding for research projects.1 This is very low considering the amount of ethics approval fees levied by research and ethics committees (RECs) in Africa. While academic research protocols are reviewed for as low as US$5, non-student ERCs can be expected to pay up to US$600 or 10% of the study project budget.6–8 This is often in addition to other permit fees charged by national bodies that regulate institutional RECs. Fees payable to these national bodies range from US$300 to US$2000 for clinical trials.9 Additional fees are required for protocol amendments and annual renewal of approvals, where applicable. Essentially, ERCs can expect to spend almost 40% of the small research grants they receive on ethics approvals. Clearly, these fees are a barrier for ERCs who have valuable ideas but lack access to substantial funding.