Research Application Checklist for Office of Research and Development (ORD)

Submission via Undergraduate Research Ethics System (URES)

Ensure all documents are ready for submission.

Mandatory Documents:

• Full Research Proposal: A complete, detailed write-up of your proposed research project.
• Government Research Permit Application Form (relevant Ministry): Required for research conducted outside the University of Botswana. Note! Students must submit their full application package to the relevant Ministry. This package should include all updated documents submitted to our office for Ethical Clearance, including the recommendation letter issued by our office.
• Data Collection Tools: E.g., interview guide, focus group guide, questionnaires, observation checklist, data extraction tool (as applicable).
• Adult Consent Form: in English, Setswana, or any local language of the study population for adults aged 18 and above.
• Assent Form (only if minors are involved): in English, Setswana, or any local language of the study population for persons aged 7 to 17.
• Parent Permission Form (parent/legal guardian consent): in English, Setswana, or any local language of the study population for studies involving minors (under 18).
• Waiver of Consent letter: This document applies to studies where obtaining informed consent from participants is impracticable or unnecessary. It provides ethical justification for conducting the research without individual consent, while ensuring that participants’ rights, safety, and confidentiality are adequately protected.
• Detailed Study Budget: A full financial breakdown of your research.
• CV of Researcher: Detailing academic and research background.
• Signed Support Letter: From either an academic supervisor, HOD or Course Coordinator.
• Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) form (applicable only to research involving vertebrates/animals)
• Supporting Materials (if used): Recruitment scripts, brochures, flyers, etc.

Certifications:

• Research Ethics Training Certificate: Proof of completion of the mandatory TRREE Module 1- Introduction to Research Ethics (required for research involving humans). Course access: https://elearning.trree.org/

• Plagiarism Check Certificate: A plagiarism/similarity report confirming the proposal has a similarity score of 15% or less.

Forms and Templates: Access the required forms and templates here: https://ehealth.ub.bw/redcap/surveys/?s=R73KYAJKKW

Timeline: The review process is approximately three weeks. Keep an eye on your email for notifications or updates.

Queries: For any questions or clarifications, email undergraduate.ethics@ub.ac.bw or call ext. no’s 355 5817/2902/2900