A Research Ethics Committee (REC) refers to a panel of individuals, usually comprising professionals from various ethical, legal, and scientific backgrounds, who are responsible for evaluating and overseeing the ethical considerations and guidelines of research studies. The primary purpose of a Research Ethics Committee is to ensure that the research being conducted complies with established ethical standards and safeguards the dignity, rights, safety, and well-being of the research participants.
Such committees play a critical role in assessing the ethical aspects of research proposals, including clinical trials, social behavioral studies, and scientific investigations involving human subjects. The REC's functions include reviewing research protocols, informed consent forms, recruitment procedures, data collection methods, and potential risks versus benefits to participants. By ensuring that the research design and practices are ethically sound, the committee promotes the principle of respect for individual autonomy, promotes the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, and upholds the principles of justice in research.
Ethics committees also provide an avenue for researchers, study participants, and the broader community to seek guidance and resolution for ethical concerns related to ongoing or completed research. Additionally, they are responsible for monitoring and periodically reviewing approved research, ensuring that researchers adhere to ethical guidelines during the study duration.
In summary, a Research Ethics Committee acts as a watchdog for ensuring adherence to ethical principles and guidelines within the realm of research, protecting the rights and welfare of study participants, and maintaining public trust in the scientific community.
