Banjul, 14th April 2025: On Saturday, April 12 2025, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, presided over the opening ceremony of a two-day sector review retreat focused on the draft National Research Bill, the Research Regulatory Framework, and the Research Excellence Assessment Framework (REAF).
The retreat, held at Tendaba Camp in the Lower River Region, brought together members of the Ministry’s senior management team and the Research Technical Working Group comprised of experts from from various relevant institutions, to critically review and refine the draft Bill and aforementioned frameworks. The instruments are meant to foster greater coordination, regulation, and synergy within The Gambia’s national research landscape.
In his opening remarks, Honourable Gomez highlighted the timeliness and significance of the National Research Act. He noted that it has been sixty years since The Gambia gained independence; yet this is the first time the country is having an existing unified National Research Bill and a comprehensive National Research Regulatory and Ethical Frameworks. He emphasised that these two documents are essential for the development of a robust and well-regulated research environment in the country.
Highlighting the innovative prospects for The Gambia, Minister Gomez asserted that the instruments have the potential to place The Gambia among the leading nations in West Africa with established research governance structures. “The research instruments will provide governance oversight, regulation, and guidelines in the conduct of all types of research; including medical, social, and scientific researches; while enhancing and complementing existing institutional research frameworks in The Gambia,” he explained.
He went on: “The draft National Research Bill, for instance, will promote a coordinated approach to research governance and ensures that all institutional research practices align with national standards, thereby creating a harmonised and efficient research ecosystem across the country”.
In his concluding remarks, the Higher Education and Research minister thanked the stakeholders for their continued support in the development of these vital documents, which mark a significant step towards strengthening research governance, providing regulation, and enhancing research excellence in The Gambia.
By Fatoumatta Joof
