Introduction:

According to international guidelines all research projects need independent review by ethics review committees in institutions. The aim of ERC at Ziauddin University is to review research projects regularly and facilitate research.

All research projects involving human subjects, whether as individuals or communities, including the use of foetal material, embryos and tissues from the recently dead, undertaken or supported by Ziauddin University faculty, staff or students, wherever conducted, shall be reviewed by ERC before a study can begin . ERC will consider ethical issues related to research and will also evaluate scientific content when needed through consultation with subject experts.

How does ERC ZU work?

ERC is constituted of a range of members from Ziauddin University and outside. It includes physicians and people from various other walks of life.

The secretary ERC after receiving research protocols sends these along with the filled ERC forms to all members. Two members are assigned the responsibility of formal review and recommendations.

ERC meets every second Wednesday of the month. Reviewers present their observations and recommendations on received research protocols.

After due deliberation, the committee arrives at decisions that are conveyed through email to the investigator. If research proposal is approved, a letter of approval is issued by ERC secretary as a hard copy to the Principal investigator.

Process of submission:

• All research protocols need to be submitted to secretary ERC before last Wednesday of the month.


• ERC will require six weeks to review the projects.


• Research proposals should be sent to zu.erc@zu.edu.pk


• ERC form is available online. It can be downloaded and filled by the Investigator.


• Sample Consent form is available online.


• A research proposal must state the purpose of the research; the reasons for using humans as subjects; budget; the nature and degree of all known risks to the subjects; and the means for ensuring that the subjects’ consent will be adequately informed and voluntary.
  


• Research proposal, ERC form and consent form should be emailed at the address mentioned above.
  


• A brief CV of Principal investigator along with previous research (if any) and areas of interest should also be emailed.
  


• One hard copy of ERC form, consent form, CV of Principal investigator and research proposal should be submitted at the office of secretary ERC.


• For queries contact zu.erc@zu.edu.pk