Negros Oriental State University
Research Ethics Committee
Research Ethics, Review & Oversight
The NORSU Research Ethics Manual establishes a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral committee structure designed to support competent, diverse, independent, and impartial ethical review.
The Manual provides that NORSU REC membership should be multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral, with adequate age and gender representation. Members should bring scientific or other expertise relevant to the types of research the Committee reviews.
Expertise in areas such as ethics, law, environment, public health, and relevant scientific, social, or behavioral disciplines may be considered so the Committee can reflect the social and cultural diversity involved in research review.
The REC is recommended by the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension and endorsed to the University President for approval. It is placed under administrative oversight of the VP RDE while maintaining full independence in rendering ethical review decisions.
About REC GovernanceThe Manual identifies safeguards intended to broaden perspectives and preserve independence during protocol review.
Membership draws on expertise relevant to the research areas most likely to come before the REC.
The Committee should include diverse perspectives with appropriate age and gender representation.
A non-medical, non-scientist member represents community interests and contributes especially to consideration of informed consent.
At least one member is independent of the institution or research site to help safeguard REC independence.
The Research Ethics Manual specifies institutional requirements for appointing officers and members and documenting their responsibilities.
REC deliberations are expected to be transparent and collegial. Potential conflicts must be disclosed so that review decisions remain fair and impartial.
Members with a conflict of interest do not participate in deliberation or decision-making on the affected study. A member who is also the principal investigator or researcher may be present to answer clarification questions but leaves during deliberation and decision-making.
The Manual states that senior decision-makers of the entity creating the REC, or of organizations sponsoring or conducting research reviewed by it, should not serve as REC members or as Chair.
REC members are expected to maintain competence through orientation, initial training, and continuing education in research ethics.
New REC members are required to receive initial training. When formal basic ethics training is not immediately available, the Chair should ensure orientation before the member begins REC service.
Orientation covers basic ethical principles, international and national ethical guidelines, and REC standard operating procedures.
Members are encouraged and supported to participate in continuing education and advanced training on research ethics issues and concerns.
The REC may maintain a list of qualified external or independent consultants who can provide specialized ethical, scientific, psychological, or social expertise when needed.
Consultants are not REC members and therefore do not participate in Committee decision-making or voting. For research involving special participant groups or concerns, the Manual also calls for best efforts to include appropriate advocates in deliberations.
The materials currently available for this website do not include the official current list of REC officers and members. This section can be published once the Committee provides the approved roster, positions, terms, and other information authorized for public display.
Used for formal resignation from REC membership and documentation of transition or turnover, pending responsibilities, confidential materials, institutional acknowledgment, and replacement or reconstitution status.
Read more about the Committee's functions or access the forms used in the ethics review process.