IPB University Launches Online Research Ethics Review Service: Faster, More Transparent, and More Adaptive
The IPB University Research Ethics Committee has launched an Online Ethics Review Service. With this new system, all stages of the process have now been transferred to an integrated web based online service system.
The Chairman of the IPB University Research Ethics Committee, Prof Suwardi, said that this step was taken to ensure research integrity, improve service quality for researchers, and build a culture of integrity in research.
“With this new system, the duration of the ethics review process can be shortened from 30 days to 20 working days. In addition to speeding up the process, applicants can also monitor the progress of their files in real-time, making the process more transparent, accountable, and measurable,” he explained.
Applicants can now upload documents, monitor the status of their assessment, and receive structured feedback. Applications can be submitted through the website kep.ipb.ac.id. Guidelines for the application process are available on Instagram @komiteetikipb.
In addition, the IPB University Research Ethics Committee has also officially expanded its structure from two committees to three special committees, namely the Animal Ethics Committee (KEH), the Health Research Ethics Committee (KEPK), and the Social Humanities Research Ethics Committee (KEPSH).
- Animal Ethics Committee (KEH)
Assesses research involving experimental animals or other animals, with an emphasis on animal welfare principles, reduction of suffering, and the application of the principles of replacement, reduction, refinement (3R).
- Health Research Ethics Committee (KEPK)
Reviews research involving human subjects in the context of health, biomedicine, and clinical interventions. The main focus includes participant safety, informed consent, and personal data confidentiality.
- Social and Humanities Research Ethics Committee (KEPSH)
Assesses social, economic, cultural, and behavioral research involving communities or individuals as respondents. Important aspects include privacy protection, cultural sensitivity, and prevention of adverse social impacts.
According to Prof Suwardi, this expansion aims to increase the depth of study in accordance with the characteristics of the research field. That way, ethical assessment becomes more accurate, proportional, and expertise-based.
“Ethical review is not just an administrative requirement, but a key protection mechanism in scientific research. In research involving humans, ethical review ensures that participation is voluntary, based on adequate understanding, and free from exploitation or unnecessary risk,” he explained.
Meanwhile, in research involving animals, ethical review ensures that the use of animals is ethical, minimizing suffering and ensuring clear scientific benefits.
Furthermore, Prof Suwardi said, “Ethical review serves to maintain public trust in academic institutions. Research that complies with ethical principles shows that science develops in line with human values, social responsibility, and concern for living beings.” (*/Rz) (IAAS/HNY)
