Research

TASO developed a 5 year research strategy (2018 - 2022) with the aim to expand the research function. This is built on the foundation of previous studies carried out in TASO such as the DART trials, PrEP study and many others. While these studies were carried out in partnership with other institutions, TASO was able to contribute to some of the major findings in HIV studies globally as well as influence policy at national level. 

• Conducts operations and implementation sciences research for improved HIV programming
• Coordinates collaborative research projects with other institutions and individual researchers
• Supports capacity building of TASO in conducting research in HIV and related co-infections and comorbidities.
• Support4s staff to write manuscripts and abstracts for publication in scientific journals.
• Does resource mobilization through research grants writing/ submission and management

• HIV prevention strategies (behaviorial studies, Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC). 
• Care and TreTransmissionatment
• HIV associated co-infections and comorbidities such as Tuberculosis (TB)
• Non Communicable Diseases (Hypertension, Diabetes, Cancer and Asthma)
• Mental health
• Child and Adolescent health
• Key Populations, Priority Populations and Most at Risk Populations (MARPS)
• Bio-ethics

• The Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit
• Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
• RAND Cooperation, Republic of South Africa
• Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention
• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Makerere University
• Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (UNCST)
• Duke University

TASO Research Ethics Committee (REC) is accredited by the Uganda National Council of Science Technology (UNCST) - a semi-autonomous government agency established in 1990 by ACT of Parliament (CAP 209). UNCST advises the Government on relevant policy matters and coordinates research and development activities in Uganda. 

TASO REC was accredited in August 2011 as an independent REC (UG-REC-009) and re-accredited until April 26th 2024, to harness the benefits of research while protecting the rights and welfare of research participants. 

TASO REC also reviews in compliance with other applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing IRBs and research with human beings. The Federal Wide Assurance number is FWA00007922 (Expiry date: 10 August 2022); IRB00011128. The REC plays a vital part in ensuring that biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences research done within Uganda is of the highest scientific and ethical standards, and that the safety, rights and welfare of research participants are protected. 

The REC has policies and SOPs based on the current national and international guidelines for conduct of research in order to ensure homogeneity in operations and adherence to research regulations. 

Mission  

To promote an environment that protects the welfare and rights of study participants and hold researchers accountable as they conduct research within accepted quality and ethical standards on behalf of UNCST and international IRBs   

Membership 

Currently TASO-REC is comprised of 15 members, (13 regular members and two alternate members). The REC has two community representatives and a full time REC Administrator. The committee embraces various backgrounds in qualification, training and experience to achieve sufficient review of science and ethics in the stipulated protocols.   

1. Proposal format
2. Application for Research approval
3. Protocol submission requirements
4. Protocol Review checklist
5. Conflict of Interest Declaration Form
6. Protocol violation reporting form
7. Adverse event reporting Form
8. Site monitoring report tool
9. Amendment Form 
10. Continuing Review Form
11. Declaration of End of Study Form
12. Informed Consent Template
13. TASO REC membership 

For all queries and additional information contact:  

REC Administrator

TASO Headquarters, Mulago; 

 nalubegas@tasouganda.org OR  sumayanalubega45@gmail.com   

 +256 752 774 281