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ā€œto help us understand how individuals and populations become vulnerable to unethical experimentation and treatment, so that a wider cross-section of the world may instead be recipients of the most humane research and careā€

The Trust in the Ethics of Research and Care

Overview

The Trust in the Ethics of Research and Care was established to support works that help us understand how individuals and populations become vulnerable to unethical experimentation and treatment, so that a wider cross-section of the world may instead be recipients of the most humane research and care.

A Painful History of Human Experimentation

The Trust is deeply aware of a history and present-day recurrence of unethical human experimentation, within and beyond the fields of science and medicine.

That Reflects a History of Subhumanization

Such past and present breaches of ethics are more often than not linked to local and global histories of discrimination, marginalization, stigmatization, and underrepresentation.

Cases as Humans and Vulnerable Populations

The Trust therefore seeks to support efforts that address individual, institutional, and social processes that reproduce such vulnerable populations. Cases and humans who continue to reappear in our shared histories in communities across the world, and demand our careful attention.

Reducing Global Inequities in Harm ā€” and Humane Care

So the dedicated contributions of this Trust intend to reduce local and global inequities in research and care, via an often underfunded but essential focus on helping societies as a whole better detect, end, foresee, and prevent harm in searches for and applications of knowledge.

View from Below of Bridge Cables
Lekki Ikoyi Bridge, Lagos, Nigeria, February 2019 (Babatunde Olajide)

The Trustā€™s Finances

Overview

The Trust in the Ethics of Research and Care was established as part of the Declaration of Trust of the Chinyere and Chinelo Ikoku Charitable Trusts. It is therefore subject to the general fiduciary responsibilities outlined in the founding Declaration.

Annual Spending

These responsibilities include stipulations that limit appropriated spending in any given year to no more than 5% of the three-year average market value of the Trustā€™s current principal.

Appropriated Spending I

The Declaration also stipulates that no less than half of such annual spending be dedicated to work on continental Africa.

Appropriated Spending II

It is also expected that such annual spending be overwhelmingly dedicated (greater than 75%) to being of direct benefit to low-income communities and individuals.

To Fund in Perpetuity

Such stipulations are in line with best practices to ensure that the Trust continues to exist in perpetuity and that it continues to have assets to carry out its charitable purposes during that time.

Reports: In Charts and Numbers

Reports: In Charts and Numbers

Actor in Macbeth Costume
Macbeth, Undated (New York Public Library)
Schoolgirl in Uniform at Doorway Looking Above
In Uniform, Liberia, March 2019 (Adrianna Van Groningen)
Girl Kneeling in Busy Street
Tibetan Girl, 2017 (Journey Yang)

The Trustā€™s Works

Overview

Provided below is access to further information regarding good works conceived and funded under the rubric of this Trust. Note that the operations of said projects are typically the purview of The Ikoku Foundations, and so the links will often guide you to their sites.

The Database on Care and Research with Ethics

The Distribution in Care and Research with Ethics

The Report on Ethics of Research and Care

The Report on Ethics of Research and Care

The Fellowship in Ethics of Research and Care

The Fellowship in Ethics of Research and Care

The Grant in Ethics of Research and Care

The Grant in Ethics of Research and Care

The Newsletter on Ethics of Research and Care

The Newsletter on Ethics of Research and Care

Woman Bending Down to Tend Crops
Sierra Leone, 2017 (Annie Spratt)
Child in Costume Looking at Camera
NiƱo, Cusco, Peru, 2018 (Ben Ostrower)
Woman Seated on Mat on Floor, Holding Fan
Seated, Kpone Katamanso District Assembly Office, Tema, Ghana, 2017 (Nathaniel Tetteh)
People Holding Peace Banner and Respect Sign
Women's March, Boston, USA, 2017, (Alice Donovan Rouse)

Also at The Trusts

As stated earlier, The Ikoku Charitable Trusts is dedicated to fostering philanthropy and good works concerning Africa, its global diasporas and a range of shared societies ā€” toward the betterment of lives across the globe. And so in accordance with the above, The Trusts provides the following:

I.

A Nonprofit Dedicated to Africa

An independent, private, non-profit organization that serves the public interest in Africa and its global diasporas ā€” by advancing education and research and by also supporting creative ideas, civic endeavors and emerging communities, organizations and societies.

II.

Support for a Global and Just Future

A founding mission and ongoing emphases of support for good works that help the public understand Africaā€™s essential place in a global future, one that is to be more knowledgeable, environmentally sustainable, equitable and of benefit across communities in just societies.

III.

A Vision of the Public Good

A vision of the public good that accounts for the past while ensuring a just and shared future. That draws inspiration from peoples who, despite a history of systemic difficulties, maintain an unyielding belief that the betterment of their human condition will foster the betterment of those living around them and will enhance the present and futures of the regularly disenfranchised, marginalized and underserved.

More About Us

The Ikoku Trusts

About Us ā€¢ Governance ā€¢ Policies