【R&D Office Academic Ethics Reminder】Research Involving "Humans"? Ethics Review is a "Must"!

Category: Office of Research and Development

 【Ethics Review Q&A】 

👤 Q：What is a Research Ethics Review? Is it a hassle?  
👥 A：To ensure the legitimacy of research and protect the rights of participants, any research involving "human subjects" must undergo a research ethics review. The process is straightforward: as long as the required documents are prepared, the application can proceed smoothly.

👤 Q：My research is low-risk; do I still need to submit it for review? 
👥 A： Even seemingly harmless anonymous surveys can carry risks. Regardless of the risk level or research methodology, all projects must be submitted to a certified institution for review. "Exempt from full review" does not mean "exempt from submission." Please do not pre-judge the risk level on your own! 

👤 Q：A journal requested an ethics approval certificate for my submission. Can I apply for one retrospectively? 
👥 A：No. Research ethics reviews must be completed before the research begins; they cannot be issued retroactively. If you cannot provide the relevant certification during submission, your research may be rejected for publication. It’s simply not worth the risk!

 【Research Ethics Advocacy: Key Concepts】

The purpose of a research ethics review is not to create hurdles for researchers or merely to collect fees. Rather, it is to safeguard the rights, safety, and dignity of all participants throughout the research process.

Furthermore, the ethics review mechanism helps researchers thoroughly consider potential ethical risks and responsibilities during the design and execution phases. This enhances research quality and strengthens public trust in academia. Research ethics review is not just a formality; it is a commitment to and practice of protecting human rights. Please view ethics review as an integral part of your research, not an extra burden. Together, we can foster a healthier and more responsible academic environment.

 【Resource Sharing】