Maintain Academic and Research Integrity, IPB University Establishes Research Ethics Committee
In the midst of the rapid development of science, integrity and ethics in research become the main foundation for academic sustainability and community protection. IPB University, as a leading research institution in Indonesia, emphasizes its commitment through the establishment of the Research Ethics Committee (KEP).
Chairman of the Research Ethics Committee of IPB University who is also a Professor of the Faculty of Agriculture of IPB University, Prof Suwardi, said that the existence of KEP is an important part of the institution’s efforts to maintain academic integrity and meet national and international ethical standards.
“The Research Ethics Committee was formed to ensure that research activities, especially those involving humans, animals, and plants, run with the principles of non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice,” he said.
Furthermore, Prof Suwardi explained that KEP has a central role in assessing, approving, and supervising each research proposal. This process aims to ensure that there are no violations of subject rights, laws and regulations, or professional norms.
He added that the existence of KEP also responds to demands from funding agencies, international scientific journals, and collaboration partners that require ethical clearance as the main requirement for publication or research funding.
“As an institution that produces innovative research in the fields of agriculture, forestry, social, and the environment, IPB University needs to ensure that all scientific activities are not only of high quality, but also moral,” he said.
The main tasks of KEP IPB University include four aspects. First, conducting ethical review and approval of research proposals. Second, evaluating research design and methodology from an ethical perspective.
Third, monitoring compliance during research implementation. Fourth, providing training and education to the academic community regarding the principles of research ethics.
According to Prof Suwardi, in addition to maintaining academic standards, the existence of KEP brings real benefits to the wider community. KEP plays a role in protecting the rights and safety of research subjects, ensuring social justice, and improving the quality and accountability of research results.
“Research that receives ethical approval will be more trusted by the public because it has passed a thorough assessment from a moral and social perspective,” explained Prof Suwardi. He explained the importance of informed consent and protection of vulnerable groups to prevent exploitation.
Not only humans, KEP also plays a role in ensuring that research that has an impact on the environment and natural resources does not damage the ecosystem or violate the principle of sustainability.
“Through KEP’s role, we foster ethical awareness in scientific interactions, build an inclusive research space, and maintain public trust in science,” he concluded. (IAAS/FMT)
