By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
A
national training programme on the ethics and deontology of scientific research
has officially commenced in Djibouti, as part of efforts to strengthen the
quality and governance of higher education and research in the country.
The
training, launched on May 4, 2026, is being implemented under the Project for
the Professionalization and Digitization of Higher Education (PNE), funded by
the French Development Agency and coordinated by MENSUR in collaboration with
the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie.

The
initiative brings together researchers from the Centre d'Études et de Recherche
de Djibouti and the University of Djibouti, focusing on building institutional
capacity and aligning national research practices with international standards.
Led
by international expert Marie Bénédicte Romond, the training covers core
principles of scientific integrity, ethical conduct in research, publication
standards, data management, and issues related to experimentation and
intellectual property.
Through
a combination of theoretical sessions, practical workshops, and consultations,
participants are expected to assess existing practices and identify
institutional needs. The programme also aims to support the development of a
structured framework tailored to Djibouti’s research environment.

At
the conclusion of the training, stakeholders are expected to produce a draft
national charter on the ethics and deontology of scientific research, which
will serve as a reference framework to guide research practices and strengthen
accountability across institutions.
Organisers
say the initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing the credibility,
quality, and international recognition of scientific research in Djibouti.