This hybrid webinar explores the ethical considerations surrounding Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the context of research. Focusing on the African philosophy of Ubuntu, the session will delve into the integration of culture, morality, and scientific inquiry. The webinar will address the ethical challenges faced by researchers when engaging with Indigenous communities and knowledge, highlighting ethical principles such as respect for cultural values, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring mutual benefit. Participants will also explore responsible community-based research (CBR) strategies, balancing ethical responsibilities with contemporary research methodologies.

By the end of this webinar, participants will:

•  Understand the Ethical Foundations of Ubuntu: Gain insights into the relationship between morality, humanity, and Ubuntu and its potential as a universal ethical framework in research.
•  Address Ethical Challenges in Culturally Sensitive Research: Learn how to balance modernity, science, and traditional cultural values to navigate ethical issues in Indigenous knowledge research.
• Gain Practical Approaches to Community-Based Research (CBR): Explore key differences between traditional research methods and CBR and discuss ethical challenges and strategies for obtaining approval for such research.
• Learn to Protect Indigenous Knowledge and Intellectual Property: Understand how to ensure the responsible and ethical use of Indigenous knowledge and intellectual property rights and ensure mutual benefit in research partnerships.
• Enhance Community Engagement in Ethical Research: Develop a deeper understanding of the ethical responsibilities of researchers in community-based contexts, with a focus on fostering respect, trust, and collaboration.