Research Ethics Committee (REC)

Ensuring Ethical Excellence in Research

The Research Ethics Committee (REC) of IBSUniversity is committed to promoting ethical, responsible, and internationally aligned research practices that protect the dignity, rights, safety, and wellbeing of all research participants and stakeholders.

Purpose of the Research Ethics Committee

The Research Ethics Committee (REC) is an interdisciplinary body established to ensure that all research conducted under the auspices of IBSUniversity adheres to the highest ethical standards.

The Committee operates in accordance with:

• Internationally recognized ethical principles
• Institutional research policies
• Global best practices
• Papua New Guinea’s cultural values and traditional systems

The REC functions as a semi-autonomous entity that reports directly to the Academic Board.

Administrative and logistical support for the Committee is provided by the Office of Research and Innovation.

The composition, mandate, and operations of the REC are aligned with internationally accepted Institutional Review Board (IRB) standards to ensure:

• Impartiality
• Accountability
• Transparency
• Ethical integrity

Vision

To establish IBSUniversity as a nationally respected institution for ethical, responsible, and socially impactful research.

Mission

To ensure all research conducted through IBSUniversity meets internationally accepted ethical standards while respecting local cultural values and societal responsibilities.

Core Functions of the REC

The Research Ethics Committee carries out the following key responsibilities:

1. Ethical Review & Approval

Review and approve all research protocols involving:

• Human participants
• Animal subjects
• Environmental impact studies
• Institutional or community-based research

This includes:

• Risk assessment
• Ethical compliance evaluation
• Participant protection measures

2. Monitoring & Compliance

Monitor and evaluate ongoing research projects to ensure adherence to:

• Approved ethical standards
• Institutional research policies
• Ethical clearance conditions

3. Research Audits

Conduct periodic audits of research activities to verify continued compliance with:

• Ethical requirements
• Regulatory obligations
• Institutional standards

4. Policy Advisory Role

Advise the Academic Board on:

• Research ethics matters
• Emerging ethical concerns
• Institutional policy improvements
• Ethical governance frameworks

The Committee may recommend updates to ethics policies and procedures where necessary.

5. Ethics Education & Training

Provide training and professional development opportunities for:

• Researchers
• Academic staff
• Students
• Research assistants

Training areas include:

• Responsible conduct of research
• Research ethics principles
• Data privacy and confidentiality
• Emerging ethical challenges
• Academic integrity

6. Continuous Professional Development

Facilitate continuing education for Committee members to ensure awareness of:

• National regulations
• International ethics standards
• Research governance updates
• Evolving best practices

Ethics Committee Structure

Governance Structure

The Research Ethics Committee reports to:

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academics)

The Committee operates in collaboration with:

• Academic Board
• Office of Research & Innovation
• Centre for Research & Postgraduate Studies

Committee Composition

Name	Position
Dr. Durga Prasad Repakula	Chair of the Committee
Mr. Milfred Lopez	Senior Lecturer – Accounting & Finance
Mrs. Abinaya Nagamuthu	Senior Lecturer – Business & Management
Dr. Periyasamy Palani	Senior Lecturer – Economics & Development Studies
Mrs. Valli Ramamurthy	Senior Lecturer – Information Technology
Dr. Lemuel Nalugon	Head – School of Education

Ethical Principles Followed

The REC upholds internationally recognized research ethics principles including:

Respect for Persons

Protecting participant dignity, autonomy, and informed consent.

Beneficence

Ensuring research benefits outweigh potential risks.

Non-Maleficence

Preventing harm to research participants and communities.

Justice

Ensuring fairness, equality, and non-discrimination in research practices.

Confidentiality & Privacy

Protecting sensitive information and participant data.

Cultural Sensitivity

Respecting Papua New Guinea’s cultural values, traditions, and community structures.

Ethical Review Areas

The Committee reviews research involving:

• Human participants
• Surveys and questionnaires
• Interviews and focus groups
• Educational research
• Business and organizational studies
• Digital and online research
• Data collection and storage
• Environmental impact studies
• Community-based projects

Research Ethics Approval Process

Step 1 – Submission of Research Proposal

Researchers submit:

• Research proposal
• Consent forms
• Data collection tools
• Ethical clearance application

Step 2 – Initial Screening

The REC conducts a preliminary review for:

• Completeness
• Ethical risks
• Compliance requirements

Step 3 – Committee Review

The Committee evaluates:

• Participant safety
• Confidentiality measures
• Risk mitigation
• Research integrity
• Cultural considerations

Step 4 – Ethics Decision

Applications may be:

• Approved
• Approved with revisions
• Deferred for clarification
• Rejected

Step 5 – Monitoring & Reporting

Approved projects may undergo:

• Periodic monitoring
• Progress reporting
• Compliance audits

Expected Outcomes

The Research Ethics Committee aims to achieve:

• High compliance with ethical standards in all research activities
• Improved quality and integrity of research proposals and questionnaires
• Transparent, fair, and accountable ethics review processes
• Effective monitoring and reduced ethical violations
• Stronger institutional policies through informed recommendations
• Increased awareness and capacity in research ethics among staff and students

Why Research Ethics Matter

Ethical research strengthens:

• Academic credibility
• Institutional reputation
• Public trust
• Research quality
• Community engagement
• International collaboration opportunities

IBSUniversity is committed to maintaining ethical excellence in all research and innovation activities.

Contact the Research Ethics Committee

Research Ethics Committee (REC)
Centre for Research & Postgraduate Studies
IBSUniversity
Papua New Guinea

Email

research@ibsu.ac.pg

Office

Office of Research & Innovation