Roles and Responsibilities of the HREC

The SAMRC HREC functions as the official Human Research Ethics Committee of the SAMRC. The objective of the Committee in reviewing research involving human research participants is to contribute to safeguarding the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of all research participants and to ensure that the goals of research do not override the best interests of the research participants.

The HREC is committed to ensuring high-quality scientific and ethical research by the SAMRC, therefore protecting the professional interests of the researchers as well. The SAMRC HREC aims to provide independent, comprehensive and timely review of the ethics of proposed studies conducted by SAMRC intramural units. Monitoring is conducted by annual and ongoing reporting.

HREC Members’ appointment and assurance

• In keeping with the SAMRC Act (1991) s8 and s17, SAMRC Board delegates processes leading to appointment of HREC members to the SAMRC President.
• A call will be advertised for HREC members and they will be appointed from among the nominated individuals, and if necessary by co-option.
• SAMRC Board will review recommended names of potential HREC members in consultation with the SAMRC President and shall make the final appointment of the HREC members, including the Chairperson.
• During their term of office, HREC members will be indemnified from personal liability against claims that may arise during ordinary business of the SAMRC.

Duration of Membership

HREC members will be appointed for a 3-year term and some member’s appointments may be renewed for continuity purposes at the discretion of the Board, in consultation with the SAMRC President. The term can be renewed twice, after which the person should have a cooling-off period of at least one term.

Election of Chairperson

HREC Chairperson may transition from being an ordinary member, but in her or his capacity as Chair the term can only be renewed once

Administrative Support

The Ethics Office in the Research Integrity Office shall provide Secretariat service to the HREC.

Meetings

The HREC holds ten meetings per year (February-November).

View the complete Standard Operating Procedures

Scientific Review

Scientific review Standard Operating Procedures

Risk assessment

Standard Operating Procedures for Research Ethics Risk Assessment and Risk Assessment Questionnaire