PROFESSIONAL VERIFICATION POLICY

Effective Date: July 16, 2026 

Last Updated: July 16, 2026 

1. Purpose

The Professional Verification Policy explains how Research Hub Africa ("RHA") verifies professional users, assigns verification tiers, grants access to professional features, and maintains the integrity of the platform.

The objective is to ensure that users participating in professional activities such as Clinical Signals, Institutional Protocols, mentorship, research collaborations, and public health discussions are appropriately verified.

2. Verification Tiers

Research Hub Africa currently operates two verification levels.

Tier 1 – Standard User

All registered users receive Tier 1 status by default.

Tier 1 users may:

• Browse publications and educational resources.

• Search papers, authors, journals, and institutions.

• Save papers and create collections.

• Upload eligible original works such as papers, theses, lecture notes, and clinical cases (subject to platform policies).

• Participate in research collaboration opportunities.

• Like, comment, and create Peer Notes.

• Build an academic profile and Impact Score.

Tier 1 users cannot access professional-only features reserved for verified professionals.

Tier 2 – Verified Professional

Tier 2 is reserved for verified professionals whose identity, affiliation, or credentials have been successfully reviewed.

Depending on future platform updates, Tier 2 users may:

• Publish Clinical Signals.

• Share Institutional Protocols.

• Submit verified professional observations.

• Participate in professional surveillance initiatives.

• Receive a Verified Professional Badge.

• Access additional professional tools as introduced.

Research Hub Africa reserves the right to expand or modify Tier 2 privileges.

3. Eligibility for Verification

Applicants may request professional verification using one or more of the following:

• Institutional or professional email address

• ORCID iD

• LinkedIn professional profile

• Professional licence or registration certificate

• Institutional identity card

• Appointment or employment letter

• University staff profile

• Hospital staff profile

• Government agency identification

• Other documents requested by Research Hub Africa

Submission of documentation does not guarantee approval.

4. Automatic Professional Verification

Research Hub Africa may automatically assign Tier 2 status to users who register using recognised institutional or professional email domains.

Examples include:

• Universities

• Teaching hospitals

• Government agencies

• Research institutes

• International organisations

Automatic verification may be immediate or subject to expedited review.

Research Hub Africa reserves the right to modify recognised domains at any time.

5. Manual Verification

Users without recognised institutional email domains may request verification through the Verification Centre.

Verification may involve review of:

• Professional documentation

• Institutional affiliation

• ORCID records

• LinkedIn profile

• Public institutional webpages

• Other supporting evidence

Additional information may be requested before approval.

6. Verified Professional Badge

Approved Tier 2 users receive a Verified Professional Badge displayed on their profile.

The badge indicates that Research Hub Africa has reviewed the user's submitted credentials or affiliation.

The badge does not:

• certify professional competence;

• endorse research findings;

• approve clinical recommendations;

• validate Institutional Protocols;

• guarantee scientific accuracy;

• represent endorsement by Research Hub Africa, employers, universities, regulatory bodies, or professional associations.

Verification confirms identity or affiliation only.

7. Responsibilities of Verified Users

Verified users are expected to:

• Maintain accurate professional information.

• Promptly update changes to affiliations.

• Protect patient confidentiality.

• Follow institutional policies.

• Uphold research ethics.

• Share evidence-based information.

• Avoid conflicts of interest where possible.

• Respect intellectual property rights.

• Comply with all Research Hub Africa policies.

8. Suspension or Revocation

Research Hub Africa may suspend or revoke verification for reasons including:

• False credentials.

• Fraudulent documentation.

• Impersonation.

• Repeated copyright infringement.

• Privacy violations.

• Research misconduct.

• Harassment.

• Scientific misinformation.

• Abuse of Clinical Signals.

• Misuse of Institutional Protocols.

• Abuse of professional privileges.

Revocation may occur without prior notice where necessary to protect platform integrity.

9. Appeals

Users may appeal verification decisions by submitting supporting documentation through the platform.

Appeals are reviewed in good faith.

Research Hub Africa may request additional evidence before making a final decision.

10. Policy Updates

Research Hub Africa may revise this policy to reflect:

• Platform improvements.

• Verification technologies.

• Regulatory requirements.

• Professional standards.

• Community feedback.

Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Information

Research Hub Africa

Operated by EviForge Ventures

Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

Nigeria

Email: rhasupport@addisonforge.com

12. Acceptance

By applying for or accepting professional verification on Research Hub Africa, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Professional Verification Policy.