Functions of UCC Institutional Review Board
The UCCIRB shall:
- Provide independent, competent and timely review of the ethics and methods of proposed research studies before their commencement and regularly monitor on-going studies.
- Be responsible for reviewing various field and clinical trials involving the use of human beings, ranging from local data-gathering protocols to clinical trials. It will therefore ensure that research is conducted ethically in compliance with established standards or guidelines. The UCCIRB will suspend all on-going research without clearance until the necessary steps have been followed by the investigator (s) to obtain clearance.
- Review and approve all research proposals involving human participants with a view to safeguarding the dignity, rights, safety and wellbeing of research participants irrespective of the source of funding. The goals of research, however important, should never be permitted to override the health and wellbeing of the research participants. The Board will also seek to maximise and protect the rights, privacy and safety of vulnerable participants of research projects.
- Ensure that all the cardinal principles of research ethics such as autonomy, beneficence, and justice are taken care of in the planning, conduct and reporting of a proposed study. The Board will promote fully informed and voluntary participation by prospective participants capable of making such choices or, informed permission given by a suitable proxy.
- Consider the aspects of informed consent process, risk-benefit ratio, distribution of burden/benefit and provisions for appropriate compensations wherever required. It will review the proposals before start of the study.
- Monitor the research throughout the study until and after completion of the study through periodic reports, final report and site visits. The Board will also ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, applicable guidelines and laws. The Board will approve or reject proposals for individual research projects, and to suggest modifications to them so that they would meet the ethical standards for research on human participants.