Terms of Use

By accessing or using the Amref Ethics and Scientific Review Committee (ESRC) platform (the “Platform”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Platform. These Terms apply to researchers, reviewers, Secretariat staff, and any other party who accesses the Platform.

The Platform facilitates the submission, ethical and scientific review, approval, and ongoing monitoring of research protocols involving human participants, in accordance with ESRC’s accreditation under the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and its international registrations (OHRP, IORG, FWA). Use of the Platform for any purpose other than its intended research-review function is not permitted.

The Platform is intended for use by researchers, institutional representatives, reviewers, committee members, and authorized administrative personnel involved in research ethics review. Users must be at least 18 years of age or otherwise legally authorized to enter into these Terms and must provide accurate, complete, and current registration information. ESRC reserves the right to verify user identities, institutional affiliations, and professional credentials where appropriate.

Researchers submitting protocols warrant that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge, and that they hold any necessary institutional or sponsor approvals required to submit the protocol for review. ESRC review and approval does not transfer responsibility for the ethical conduct of the study away from the principal investigator and their institution.

Researchers remain responsible for ensuring that all submitted information is accurate, that required approvals have been obtained, and that any amendments, safety reports, or continuing review submissions are provided to the ESRC in accordance with applicable policies and timelines.

The Platform’s design, software, and ESRC-authored content (guidance documents, templates, review checklists) remain the property of Amref Health Africa or its licensors. Submitted research protocols and related documents remain the property of the submitting researcher/institution and are used by ESRC solely for the purpose of ethical and scientific review.

All users, including researchers, reviewers, committee members, and Secretariat staff, must maintain the confidentiality of research protocols, review comments, and other non-public information accessed through the Platform. Confidential information may not be disclosed except where authorized by ESRC, required by applicable law, or necessary for the conduct of the ethical review process. Committee members are also expected to declare and appropriately manage any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest in accordance with ESRC policies and procedures.

You agree not to: misrepresent your identity or affiliation; submit fraudulent or plagiarized research content; attempt to access accounts, protocols, or review records that are not your own; interfere with the security or availability of the Platform; or use the Platform in violation of applicable Kenyan law or international research ethics standards.

ESRC reserves the right to suspend or terminate user accounts, restrict access to the Platform, or take other appropriate action where these Terms are violated or where use of the Platform poses a risk to its security, integrity, or lawful operation.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Amref Health Africa and the ESRC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or relating to the use of, or inability to use, the Platform. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by law.

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the use of the Platform shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of Kenya, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

ESRC may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be indicated by updating the “Last updated” date above. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

ESRC Secretariat
Amref Health Africa
Email: esrc.kenya@amref.org
Telephone: +254 795 746 777
Website: https://esrc.amref.org