Research Policy

Introduction

Solarium Biotechnology LTD is committed to advancing environmental solutions through rigorous and ethical scientific research. This Research Policy outlines the principles, expectations, and procedures governing all studies involving our microalgae byproducts, whether applied to living organisms or incorporated into non-living products. Our aim is to ensure the integrity of our research, protect the rights and welfare of all participants, and transparently share findings that contribute to a sustainable future.

1. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all research studies conducted by or in collaboration with Solarium Biotechnology LTD that involve the application or testing of microalgae byproducts. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Studies on Living Organisms: Research involving the application of microalgae byproducts (e.g., medicines, biofertilisers, feed additives) to human participants, plants, animals, or microbial communities, assessing their impact on health, growth, yield, or environmental interactions.

• Studies on Non-Living Products: Research involving the incorporation or testing of microalgae byproducts (e.g., pigments, bioplastics precursors, novel materials) in industrial processes or as components of new non-living consumer or industrial products, assessing their performance, stability, and safety.

2. Ethical Principles

All research conducted under this policy shall adhere to the highest ethical standards, guided by the following principles:

• Integrity: Research will be conducted honestly, accurately, and without bias.

• Transparency: Methods, data, and findings will be documented and shared appropriately, fostering open scientific inquiry.

• Participant Welfare: The rights, safety, and well-being of all participants (human, animal, or environmental systems) involved in studies will be prioritised.

• Compliance: All research will comply with applicable national and international laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.

3. Research Participant Expectations and Entitlements

For any study involving direct participation or impact on external entities (e.g., volunteers, farmers, consumers, specific animal populations, or environmental sites):

• Voluntary Participation and Informed Consent: Participation in any study is entirely voluntary. All relevant participants will be provided with clear, comprehensive information about the study's purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, participant responsibilities, confidentiality measures, and their rights before providing their informed consent.

• Right to Withdraw: Participants have the right to withdraw from a study at any time without penalty or prejudice, and without needing to provide a reason.

• Adherence to Study Instructions and Protocols: Participants are required to follow study instructions and protocols. Solarium Biotechnology LTD expects truthful, accurate and timely feedback or reporting by participants. Failure to comply with instructions or provide accurate data may affect study validity and outcomes, including valuable study resources. Disclaimer: Solarium Biotechnology LTD is not liable for consequences arising from participant non-compliance or inaccurate reporting.

• Confidentiality and Data Protection: All personal and identifiable data collected from participants will be treated with strict confidentiality and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Data will be anonymised or aggregated wherever possible to protect individual privacy.

• Access to Information: Participants will be informed of the study's purpose, methodology, and expected duration. Upon completion of the study, participants will be provided with a summary of the research findings relevant to their involvement, in an accessible format.

• Compensation or Entitlements: Any compensation, incentives, or specific entitlements for participation (e.g., provision of byproducts, access to results, technical support) will be clearly outlined and agreed upon prior to the commencement of the study.

4. Potential Risks and Benefits

All research proposals will include a thorough assessment of potential risks and anticipated benefits.

4.1 Potential Risks

• For Living Organisms (e.g., human participants, plants, animals, microbial communities):

  • Unintended or adverse effects on growth, health, or physiological functions.

  • Ecological impacts, such as changes to local biodiversity or soil microbiology, particularly in field trials.

  • Potential for allergic reactions or sensitivities in animals or humans exposed to byproducts (e.g., cosmetics, feed additives).

  • Contamination risks if byproducts are not handled or applied correctly.

• For Non-Living Products (e.g., materials, industrial processes):

  • Unexpected material degradation, instability, or performance issues.

  • Adverse chemical reactions or interactions with other components.

  • Safety concerns during handling, processing, or end-use if not properly managed.

• General Research Risks:

  • Data breaches or unauthorised access to confidential information.

  • Reputational risk for participants or collaborators if research outcomes are negative or misinterpreted.

  • Resource expenditure without achieving desired scientific or commercial outcomes.

4.2 Potential Benefits

• For Participants:

  • Improved physical health & vitality, enhanced agricultural yields, or better environmental outcomes through the application of byproducts.

  • Access to innovative, sustainable products or technologies.

  • Contribution to scientific knowledge and sustainable development.

• For Solarium Biotechnology LTD:

  • Validation and optimisation of microalgae byproducts and algaculture systems.

  • Generation of robust scientific data to support product claims and regulatory approvals.

  • Identification of new market applications and business opportunities.

  • Advancement of our mission to reverse climate change and foster a bioeconomy.

• For Society and the Environment:

  • Reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide through enhanced carbon sequestration.

  • Development of sustainable, more affordable alternatives to conventional products and processes.

  • Contribution to food security, environmental remediation, and resource efficiency.

  • Creation of new economic opportunities within the bioeconomy, particularly in Africa.

5. Data Management and Confidentiality

Solarium Biotechnology LTD is committed to the secure and responsible management of all research data.

• Data Collection: Data will be collected using appropriate scientific methodologies and tools, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and relevance to the research objectives.

• Data Storage and Security: All data, especially sensitive or proprietary information, will be stored securely using industry-standard encryption and access controls. Data will be backed up regularly to prevent loss.

• Data Anonymisation/Aggregation: Where possible and appropriate, data will be anonymised or aggregated to protect the privacy of individuals or the proprietary interests of collaborators, without compromising the integrity of the research findings.

• Confidentiality Agreements: Specific confidentiality agreements will be put in place with all research collaborators, partners, and personnel involved in studies to protect sensitive information.

6. Research Governance and Oversight

All research activities will be subject to robust governance and oversight.

• Internal Review Process: All research proposals will undergo a rigorous internal review by Solarium's scientific and ethical review committee to assess scientific merit, ethical considerations, risk management, and alignment with company objectives.

• Compliance with Regulations: All studies will strictly comply with relevant national and international laws and regulations, including:

  • Nigerian environmental laws (e.g., National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act, Environmental Impact Assessment Act, Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provision) Act).

  • The Nigerian Climate Change Act 2021.

  • Relevant African climate change frameworks (e.g., African Climate Change Policy Framework (ACCPF) and subsequent regional protocols).

  • Any applicable local, regional, or international agreements, treaties, or conventions related to environmental protection, climate action, biotechnology, agricultural practices, and animal welfare.

• Independent Ethical Review: For studies involving human participants or sensitive animal welfare considerations, Solarium will seek approval from an independent Ethics Review Board or equivalent regulatory body, as required by law and best practice.

7. Sharing and Dissemination of Research Results

Solarium Biotechnology LTD is committed to transparently sharing research results, balancing the need for scientific advancement with the protection of proprietary information.

• Transparency Commitment: We aim to make relevant research findings accessible to all stakeholders, contributing to the broader scientific community and public understanding of sustainable solutions.

• Methods of Sharing: Research results may be shared through various channels, including:

  • Comprehensive internal reports for collaborators.

  • Peer-reviewed scientific publications (where appropriate and subject to intellectual property protection).

  • Presentations at scientific conferences and industry events.

  • Summaries or white papers published on our website.

  • Direct communication with participants and relevant regulatory bodies.

• Timelines for Sharing: Results will be disseminated in a timely manner following the completion of studies, data analysis, and internal review processes.

• Stakeholders: Results will be shared with:

  • Research participants (as outlined in Section 3).

  • Collaborating partners (as per specific agreements).

  • Relevant regulatory authorities (as required by law).

  • The scientific community and the general public (where appropriate, respecting intellectual property).

• Handling of Proprietary Information vs. Public Results: Care will be taken to ensure that proprietary formulations, unique processes, or commercially sensitive data are protected, while general scientific findings and environmental impacts are shared to promote transparency and knowledge exchange.

8. Policy Review and Updates

This Research Policy will be reviewed periodically, at least annually, or as necessitated by changes in research practices, regulatory requirements, or Solarium's strategic objectives. Any updates will be published on our website.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding this Research Policy, please contact us at walo.olapoju@gmail.com or via WhatsApp through the contact number provided on the product packaging.