How to conduct ethical reviews in academic research?

Ethical review is a mandatory process ensuring academic research adheres to moral principles, protecting participant rights, welfare, and data integrity. It involves systematic evaluation by an independent ethics committee or institutional review board (IRB). Key principles guiding ethical review include respect for autonomy (informed consent), beneficence (maximizing benefits, minimizing harm), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), and justice (fair participant selection). Necessary conditions involve establishing a competent, multidisciplinary review committee operating free from undue influence. Its scope encompasses all human subjects research, animal research, and studies involving sensitive data. Precautions ensure confidentiality is maintained, review is proportionate to risk, and cultural contexts are respected. Ongoing monitoring of approved studies is crucial. The process typically starts with researchers submitting a detailed protocol to the committee outlining methodology, participant recruitment, consent procedures, data handling, and risks/benefits. The committee then assesses compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations, may request modifications, and grants approval, conditional approval, or rejection. Upon approval, researchers must implement the protocol as approved, report any adverse events or protocol deviations, and may require renewal for long-term studies. This ensures research integrity and societal trust.