Today, I started the Training and Resources in Research Ethics Evaluation (TRREE) program. It is an online program that provides training on research ethics and regulations that guide health-related research with human subjects. It also has nation-specific supplements focused on building the capacity of African countries. The training contains Modules 1 through 3.5. Each module has its own topic and covers various aspects of health-related research and ethical concerns.
Taking this course would give me the relevant knowledge and skill that I need as I embark on my research on language and dementia. The institution from which I intend to engage dementia patients for data collection (which would be announced as soon as I get approval) requires that I take this course in order to know what is expected of me. I am super excited about the entire journey. That my dream of being a researcher is coming true is the least part of the cause of my excitement. What I am most elated about is the impact this research will make in Nigeria (hopefully).
Of course, one single research won’t do it. Nevertheless, I want to spark the interest of people and turn their attention to this critical issue. There is a lot we can do as a nation to help this relevant population in our society (people with dementia) delineate their conditions and help create person-specific and innovative interventions. We – everyone from infancy to old age – deserve to be understood and spoken for, especially when we do not have the ability to do so ourselves.
I covered sections 1.1 (Why research is important) and 1.2 (Evolution of Research Ethics) in Module 1: Introduction to Research Ethics. Today, I will talk about why research is important.