From March 21–22, 2024, the USAID Partnership for Higher Education Reform (PHER) provided technical support for Research Compliance at the University of Danang (UD) to help evolve their research management system.  

Dr. John Baumann, Associate Vice President for Research Compliance at Indiana University, worked with leaders of UD and its member universities to review their core governance documents related to scientific integrity and the Organizational and Operational Regulations of the Research Ethics Committee.

Technical support sessions on research compliance were also held with UD institutions, with specific focus on the School of Medicine and Pharmacy providing useful insights into the elements that characterize research compliance, providing practical examples in medical research and other disciplines. The sessions attracted over 60 participants including the Vice President of the UD, the Vice Rectors of six member universities, leaders of relevant departments and offices, along with participants from other UD member universities.

Participants learnt about research compliance practices at IU and around the world and discussed their experiences in Vietnam. Additionally, two guest presenters – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Deputy of the Department of Science and Technology, VNUHCM and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Sinh, Vice President of Ethics Review Board, VNUHCM, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH-HCM) – shared their experience with the establishment and operations of research ethics committees at their respective institutions. The technical session offered practical guidance that was highly relevant to the needs of university administrators, faculty members and researchers.