About Us
Learn about the National Research Ethics Board of Liberia, our mission, and our commitment to ethical research standards.
Overview
The National Research Ethics Board of Liberia (NREBL) is the premier institution responsible for overseeing and regulating research involving human subjects in Liberia. Established under the Ministry of Health, NREBL serves as the guardian of ethical standards in research, ensuring that all scientific investigations adhere to the highest moral and professional standards.
Our mandate encompasses the review, approval, and monitoring of research protocols across various sectors including biomedical research, social sciences, public health studies, and clinical trials. We work collaboratively with universities, research institutions, healthcare facilities, and international partners to foster a culture of responsible research that prioritizes participant safety and scientific integrity.
Since our establishment, NREBL has reviewed and approved hundreds of research projects, contributing significantly to Liberia's scientific advancement while maintaining uncompromising ethical standards. Our work aligns with international guidelines including the Declaration of Helsinki, CIOMS guidelines, and WHO standards for research ethics.
Our Mission
To safeguard the rights, safety, and welfare of research participants while promoting high-quality ethical research that contributes to national development and global scientific knowledge. We ensure that all research conducted in Liberia meets international ethical standards and serves the public interest.
Our Vision
To be a leading authority in research ethics, recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in promoting ethical research standards and protecting human subjects. We aspire to make Liberia a model for ethical research practices in Africa and beyond.
Core Values
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Respect for Persons
- Justice
- Beneficence
Legal Mandate
The National Research Ethics Board of Liberia operates under the legal framework established by the Liberian Government through the Ministry of Health. Our authority is derived from:
- The Public Health Law of Liberia (1970, amended 2010)
- The National Health Research Policy (2015)
- The Liberia Medical and Dental Council Act
- International conventions ratified by Liberia
Our legal responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and approving all research protocols involving human subjects
- Monitoring ongoing research to ensure continued compliance
- Establishing national guidelines for ethical research
- Training researchers and ethics committee members
- Collaborating with international ethics bodies
- Enforcing sanctions for ethical violations
Organizational Structure
NREBL operates through a well-defined organizational structure designed to ensure efficient and effective oversight of research activities in Liberia:
Board of Directors
The highest governing body responsible for strategic direction and policy formulation. Comprises distinguished professionals from various disciplines including medicine, law, ethics, and social sciences.
Executive Office
Led by the Executive Director, responsible for day-to-day operations, implementation of board decisions, and coordination of all NREBL activities.
Technical Committees
Specialized committees focusing on different research domains including biomedical research, social sciences, and clinical trials. These committees provide expert review of research protocols.
Secretariat
Administrative support staff responsible for processing applications, maintaining records, scheduling meetings, and providing logistical support to all NREBL functions.
Our History
Board Members
The governing body responsible for strategic oversight and policy direction of NREBL.
Dr. Lawrence M. Sherman
ChairpersonSpecialist in biomedical ethics and public health policy with over 20 years of experience in national and international research governance. Appointed by the Ministry of Health.
Prof. Stephen Kennedy
Vice ChairpersonSeasoned academic and researcher with expertise in clinical trial methodology and ethical review processes. Former Dean, University of Liberia School of Public Health.
Mrs. Gloria Mason Ross
Executive DirectorLegal expert specializing in health law, human rights, and research regulations. Provides legal advisory services to the Board and oversees regulatory compliance.
Dr. Luke Bowo
Board MemberEpidemiologist and infectious disease researcher with experience in large-scale public health studies across West Africa. Representative of the research community.
Executive Team
Senior management responsible for day-to-day operations and implementation of the Board's mandate.
Mrs. Gloria Mason Ross
Executive DirectorLeads NREBL's strategic direction, external partnerships, and institutional representation. Responsible for overall governance, stakeholder engagement, and budget oversight.
Emmanuel Mansah
CoordinatorSupports the Executive Director in operational management and acts as principal officer in the Director's absence. Oversees programme coordination and internal quality control.
Mr. Philip Morris
Director of Research & Ethics ReviewOversees all research protocol submissions, review processes, and approval workflows. Coordinates with technical committee chairs to ensure timely and thorough ethical review.
Ms. Ruth Clarke
Director of Training & Capacity BuildingDesigns and delivers ethics training curricula for researchers, IRB members, and institutional partners nationwide. Manages external training partnerships and certification programmes.
Mr. Benjamin Freeman
Director of Finance & AdministrationManages financial planning, budgeting, procurement, and administrative services. Ensures fiscal accountability, compliance with donor requirements, and operational efficiency.
Ms. Nancy Jallah
Director of Legal Affairs & ComplianceProvides legal counsel on regulatory matters, research legislation, and institutional compliance. Liaises with the Ministry of Health and other regulatory bodies on legal frameworks.
Technical Committees
Specialist committees that conduct detailed protocol review and provide expert recommendations to the Board.
Biomedical & Clinical Research Committee
Reviews clinical trials, drug studies, medical devices, and biomedical research protocols.
Dr. Henry Ogundipe
Committee Chair
Specialist in infectious disease and clinical pharmacology. Over 15 years of experience in GCP-compliant clinical trials.
Dr. Linda Mulbah
Deputy Chair
Physician and clinical researcher specializing in maternal and child health. Representative of JFK Medical Center.
Mr. Thomas Gbaye
Member
Biostatistician providing methodological review and statistical analysis guidance for submitted research protocols.
Social, Behavioral & Community Research Committee
Reviews qualitative studies, social science research, community-based interventions, and behavioral studies.
Prof. Patricia Yarkpawolo
Committee Chair
Professor of Sociology and Public Health. Expert in community consultation, informed consent processes, and vulnerable population protections.
Mr. Oscar Kanneh
Deputy Chair
Social anthropologist with field experience in community-engaged research across rural Liberia and the Mano River region.
Ms. Beatrice Wulu
Member
Community health advocate and gender equity specialist. Ensures research designs are inclusive and culturally sensitive.
Public Health & Epidemiology Research Committee
Reviews population-level studies, epidemiological surveys, surveillance research, and public health interventions.
Dr. Moses Saye
Committee Chair
Epidemiologist and public health specialist. Former WHO consultant with expertise in disease surveillance and national health data systems.
Ms. Janet Freeman
Deputy Chair
Health economist specializing in health systems research and evaluation of public health programme effectiveness.
Dr. Collins Nimely
Member
Environmental health researcher reviewing studies involving occupational exposure, sanitation, and ecological health impacts.
Secretariat Staff
The professional administrative team that supports the Board's operations, communications, and service delivery.
Ms. Grace Duncan
Senior Protocol Officer
Manages the intake, registration, and tracking of all research protocol submissions from initial receipt through final decision.
Mr. Amos Blamo
Protocol Review Officer
Conducts preliminary review of incoming submissions for completeness and assigns protocols to the appropriate technical committee for full review.
Ms. Martha Konneh
Training & Outreach Officer
Coordinates training workshops, researcher orientations, and public outreach programmes. Manages scheduling of continuing education events.
Mr. Francis Dahn
Finance & Accounts Officer
Handles daily financial transactions, fee collection for review services, budget monitoring, and production of monthly financial reports.
Ms. Esther Johnson
IT & Data Management Officer
Maintains the Board's electronic records, online submission system, website, and data security protocols in line with data protection requirements.
Mr. Charles Tarr
Communications & Public Relations Officer
Manages institutional communications, media relations, social media channels, newsletters, and public-facing publications of the Board.
Ms. Victoria Nimba
Administrative Assistant
Provides front-desk and general administrative support, manages correspondence, schedules meetings, and coordinates Board member logistics.
Mr. John Kamara
Office Assistant / Records Clerk
Maintains physical and electronic filing systems, handles document dispatch, archive management, and general office support functions.