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HSRC research focuses on people, and the bulk of the information and data gathered is likely to be of a personal nature to the participants in the research. Researchers and the research leadership in the HSRC are very aware of ethical considerations related to research with human subjects, and these concerns are built into planning and review processes of all research proposals. The execution and completion of research projects are also carefully monitored to make sure that HSRC researchers, as well as project collaborators, adhere to the highest ethical standards. The organisation drew up a Research Code in 1987, which was amended in 1993, further revised in 1997 and published as a Code of Research Ethics. In 2006 the Code of Ethics replaced the 1998 Code of Business Ethics. In the Code of Ethics the HSRC Board members and employees commit themselves to a code of ethical behaviour that accords with the HSRC's status, values, principles and obligations. Research Ethics CommitteeAn HSRC Research Ethics Committee (REC) was established on 27 November 2002, with Prof. Peter Cleaton-Jones - one of the most experienced medical ethics experts in the country - as the first chairperson. Prof. Douglas Wassenaar, a well-known social scientist from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Principal Investigator of SARETI, succeeded him in November 2005. The HSRC REC has FWA accreditation (FWA 00006347, IRB No. 00003962). From 2003 the Committee has examined and approved the ethics component of all research projects. Ethical approval is given to project proposals for a three-year period, after which extensions are granted if required. Although it is mandatory that all research with human participants conducted by HSRC researchers must be ethically approved before data collection commences, the REC has processes in place to expedite the approval of certain types of research. The Committee grants exemption from ethical review of research that meets the criteria, for example reviews and analyses of data that is freely available in the public domain, and conference commissions (except where it involves primary research). Where appropriate research, which is an extension of a study already approved by the REC, may qualify for a class approval. Provision is also made for fast-tracking the approval of urgent applications. Click to download the guidelines that apply to applications for exemptions and class approvals. Provided there is no more suitable or eligible REC in South Africa and subject to certain terms and conditions, the HSRC's REC (which has FWA accreditation) ethically reviews external proposals submitted by researchers not employed by or contracted to the HSRC. Click to download these terms and conditions. The Research Ethics Committee in the interim uses the Medical Research Council's Guidelines on Ethics for Medical Research as its blueprint for decision-making. These guidelines will be adapted, in time, for a social science environment. The Committee meets once a month. The chair has an open committee meeting policy and welcomes the attendance of applicants to clarify points of issue. How to apply:Provide a title for ethics evaluation to the Board Secretariat and REC Administrator 14 days before the date of the REC meeting to ensure that your application is processed. Please consult the 2010 programme of meetings for the relevant due date for submission of proposals. Provide the Secretariat with a signed and unstapled printed copy of the application for purposes of duplicating and record-keeping. Confirm - by e-mail or by telephone with the Secretary that your application has been received.
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