All research proposals should be submitted electronically through this online platform in accordance with the submission requirements.
Before submitting your research protocol for RNEC review, please check the following:
The review calendar and ensure your protocol is timely submitted. Delayed submissions will be considered for the next review meeting.
Prepare a complete submission package — your research protocol, informed consent forms, data-collection instruments and conflict-of-interest disclosures — so your application can be screened and reviewed without delay.
Also prepare the required documents depending on the type of submission, being a Clinical Trial or a Nonclinical Research, a Protocol Amendment or a Continued Review (Annual Renewal):
The exhaustive list of the required documents is presented in the
Submit your research protocol for ethical review, track it from screening through committee decision, and receive a verifiable ethics-clearance certificate — all in one secure national platform.
Before submitting your research protocol for RNEC review, please check the following:
Review the submission calendar
Ensure that your protocol is submitted according to the Review Calendar Late submissions will automatically be considered for the next available review meeting.
Prepare all required documents
The required documents depend on the type of submission—whether it is a Clinical Trial, Nonclinical Research, a Protocol Amendment, or a Continued Review (Annual Renewal). Typical documents include:
The complete list of required documents is provided in the relevant SOPs and in the corresponding submission forms.
All research proposals should be submitted electronically through this online platform in accordance with the submission requirements.
Before submitting your research protocol for RNEC review, please check the following:
The review calendar and ensure your protocol is timely submitted. Delayed submissions will be considered for the next review meeting.
Prepare a complete submission package — your research protocol, informed consent forms, data-collection instruments and conflict-of-interest disclosures — so your application can be screened and reviewed without delay.
Also prepare the required documents depending on the type of submission, being a Clinical Trial or a Nonclinical Research, a Protocol Amendment or a Continued Review (Annual Renewal):
The exhaustive list of the required documents is presented in the
Before submitting your Clinical Trial Protocol for Initial Ethical Review, check that your submission package is aligned to RNEC requirements as mentioned in Submission SOP (REV01), Protocol Template and Forms:
The steps of review are elaborated in the Standard Full Committee Review of Research Protocols SOP (REV03).
Before submitting your Study Protocol for Initial Ethical Review, check that your submission package is aligned to RNEC requirements as mentioned in Submission SOP (REV01), Protocol Template and Forms:
The steps of review are elaborated in the Standard Full Committee Review of Research Protocols SOP (REV03).
Before submitting a Request for Protocol Amendments, ensure your submission complies with the Amendment SOP (PAC02) and includes:
Amendments are categorized as Administrative, Minor, or Major. Review timelines and applicable fees vary by amendment level and study type. Incomplete or incorrectly prepared submissions will be returned to the Principal Investigator, potentially delaying the review.
Before submitting your Protocl for Continuing Review (Annual Renewal), check that your submission package is aligned to RNEC requirements as mentioned in Annual Renewal SOP (PAC01), Submission Form and Progress Report Template:
Investigators are strongly advised to review the SOP carefully before submission.
Incomplete submissions or submissions using incorrect forms will be returned to the Principal Investigator, which may delay the review process.
RNEC offers several types of ethical review depending on the level of risk and the nature of the research. The submission requirements for each review type are detailed in the corresponding SOPs:
For guidance on which review type applies to your study, please consult the RNEC Eligibility Criteria. If you require further clarification, you may contact the RNEC Secretariat.
Before submitting your Clinical Trial for Initial Ethical Review, check with your submission package is align to RNEC templates and SOPs:
The submission steps are elaborated in the Submission SOP
Before submitting your Study Protocol for Initial Ethical Review, check with your submission package is align to RNEC templates and SOPs:
The submission steps are elaborated in the Submission SOP
Read MoreBefore submitting your Request for Protocol Amendments, check with your submission package is align to RNEC templates and SOPs:
The submission steps are elaborated in the Amendment SOP
Before submitting your Protocl for Continuing Review (Annual Renewal), check with your submission package is align to RNEC templates and SOPs:
The submission steps are elaborated in the Annual Renewal SOP
The Rwanda National Research Ethics Committee (RNEC) was established in May 2002 under the auspices of the Ministry of Health of Rwanda. Our foundation was formally confirmed through Ministerial Instruction No 20/37 of the 30th of October 2008 and amended by Ministerial Instruction No 20/39 of 26th of February, 2009. RNEC is currentrly regulated bt the Law N° 015/2022 of 29/06/2022 relating to research on a human being and the Ministerial Order nº 002/MoH/2023 of 21/03/2023 relating to Rwanda National Research Ethics Committee on a human being. his evolution reflects our commitment to enhancing the ethical oversight and governance of research activities in Rwanda..
The mission of the committee is to review all the research projects on human beings before they are conducted on Rwandan territory.
Our vision ensure that all research projects conducted in Rwanda meet nationally and internationally accepted research ethical standards.
The Rwanda National Research Ethics Committee (RNEC) was established in May 2002 under the auspices of the Ministry of Health of Rwanda.
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