USSH issue Regulation on organization and operation of Research Ethics Committee

On Dec.30, Assoc.Prof-Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Rector of USSH, signed Decision no.905/QĐ-XHNV-TCCB promulgating the Regulation on organizing and operating Research Ethics Committee (REC) of USSH-VNUHCMC. The regulation aims to set targets, roles, operating principles, and organization structure for REC

According to the Decision, REC’s mission is to review proposed and in-progress research involving human subjects, and it performs  3 key roles:

1. To protect the legitimate rights and interests of human subjects, especially those who are underprivileged.
2. To review and ensure that the research topics serve society’s interests
3. To ensure that the research follow ethical guidelines, abide by rules and regulation on human rights, welfare, and safety

In addition, the Decision sets out 4 operating principles: 

1. To respect every individual
2. To be kind
3. To be impartial
4. To ensure scientific honesty, accuracy, and integrity

Moreover, the Committee will attach significance to the rule of law of countries conducting research and will protect their environment as well as their tangible and intangible community heritages.

Regarding organization structure, the ERC of USSH has a Chairman, a Vice-chairman, a Secretary, and about 15-25 staff. The Committee is tasked with advising the Rector on establishing a professional consulting committee to process research projects that need REC’s approval

The Decision also proposes a research ethics review process, including 2 phases: Approved by specialized unit and approved by Research Ethics Committee. In phase 1, they will assess the research’s influence on human subjects. If the research is fully-qualified then the head of the specialized unit is authorized to approve the conduct of research without REC review. 

In phase 2, for research proposals that need approval from REC, the papers’ authors are required to upload relevant information and documents on the online management system of REC, which will be later sent to the permanent committee. The Decision also covers research conductors’ responsibilities: to complete research outline and tool before sending application, to present research content following guideline, to propose risk management measures, etc.

For more information, please visit REC website at (to be updated).

 

Nguyên An

Translated by: Tiên Vũ