Ethics Committee Application Process

Submitting a research protocol to an ethics committee (IRB, REC, or equivalent) is a mandatory procedural gateway in human subjects research. The application process requires researchers to document their study design, justify scientific rationale, disclose risks and benefits, provide participant protections (informed consent forms), and address ethical considerations. The submission includes a completed ethics application form, protocol document, consent forms, researcher CVs, and evidence of institutional support. This standardized process enables ethics committees to conduct rigorous, timely, and consistent review before research commences.