We are pleased to announce the publication of our article titled “Knowledge and Recommendations of Stakeholders Regarding Ethical Oversight of Data Science Health Research: Protocol for a Qualitative Study” in JMIR Research Protocols. The full text is now available via PubMed Central (PMCID: PMC12757715).
This article presents the design and methodology of a qualitative study engaging stakeholders across academia, ethics committees, and policy contexts to explore the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of data science health research (DSHR) in Nigeria. The protocol outlines the theoretical frameworks and key informant interview strategies that will inform the development of contextually appropriate ethical oversight frameworks for DSHR, particularly in low- and middle-income settings such as Nigeria.
Data science health research—characterized by the use of large, diverse datasets coupled with advanced computational methods—poses novel challenges for traditional ethical governance, including blurred consent boundaries and algorithmic biases. This study seeks to generate stakeholder-driven recommendations to strengthen ethical safeguards, promote equitable collaborations, and inform policy and regulatory oversight in resource-limited environments.
We anticipate that this work will contribute to the global discourse on research ethics for data-intensive health research and support efforts to ensure responsible, equitable scientific innovation in Africa and beyond.
