Research Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC)

Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC)

Research

Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) – SRM AP

Mission Statement

The Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in all research and institutional activities conducted within SRM University -AP. Our mission is to safeguard the rights, dignity, and well-being of all individuals involved in research, while promoting integrity, transparency, and compliance with ethical principles and regulatory requirements. The IEC strives to foster a culture of integrity and accountability within our institution, ensuring that all research activities adhere to the highest ethical standards.
The Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) is headed by the Chairperson and comprised of experts from diverse disciplines, including medical doctors/clinicians, sciences, healthcare, social sciences, eminent scientists, legal expert and lay person. The IEC committee members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure thorough and thoughtful review of research proposals and ethical considerations.
IEC application
Standard and Operational Procedures (SOP)

Responsibilities

The Institutional Ethics Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all research proposals involving human and animal subjects conducted within SRM-AP. IEC carefully assess each proposal to ensure that it meets ethical guidelines, including informed consent, confidentiality, and risk minimization.
Conducting periodic reviews of ongoing research projects to monitor compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
Investigating and addressing any allegations of research misconduct or breaches of ethical conduct within the institution.
Collaborating with regulatory agencies, funding bodies, and external stakeholders to promote ethical research practices and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.

Procedure & Submission

Researchers must submit the following documents (two hard copies to secretary-IEC and email a well scanned copy to iec@srmap.edu.in)
  • Cover letter (1 page) – addressed to Chairman, IEC-SRMAP - forwarded through Head of the Department
  • Application format given annexure A (Form 1A)
  • Consent forms if any (Annexure B and C)
  • Information collection sheet
  • An abstract (less than 500 words) – should include study objectives, methodology, risks and potential benefits and outcomes of the study.
  • A complete proposal (background of the study, objectives, methodology, limitations, novelty, significance, outcome of the study, Outline strategies for disseminating the research findings, Budget and timelines, References) in the prescribed format.

Review Process

  • The IEC will review the documents submitted by applicants to ensure they meet ethical standards and declare the outcome of the review process.
  • The committee will meet three times in a year (tentatively in the first week of January, May, and September).

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Researchers must take appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality and privacy of research participants, ensuring that data collection, storage, and dissemination comply with relevant data protection regulations and ethical guidelines.
The IEC will assess data management plans to ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements for the protection of participant data.

Members

Sl.No Composition Institutional Ethics Committee Position
1 Chairperson Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan,
Associate Dean - Science		 Chairperson
2 Basic Scientist Prof. C Durga Rao,
Professor - Department of Biological Sciences		 Member
3 2 Clinicians Dr. Sivarama Prasad, ENT Expert, Tenali ExternalMember
4 University Medical Officer Member
5 Veterinary Doctor Prof. P Anand Kumar,
Professor & Head – Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupathi		 External Member
6 A Legal Expert / Retired Judge Dr. Venkatesan Vadivel External Member
7 Faculty Members from all the Schools Prof Vandana Swami, Professor - Department of Liberal Arts Member
8 Dr VimalBabu, Associate Professor – Paari School of Business Member
9 Dr Ayesha Parveen Haroon,
HOD & Assistant Professor – Department of Psychology		 Member
10 Dr Deblina Dutta,
Assistant Professor – Environmental Science and Engineering		 Member
11 A Social Scientist
representative of NGO voluntary organization		 Mr Y Sambasiva Rao,
Secretary – AIRTDS		 External Member
12 A Philosopher /
Ethicist / Theologian		 Prof Ravindran Kesavan,Professor – Department of Psychology Member
13 A Lay Person Mr. Illayaraja, Housekeeping Supervisor Member
14 A Faculty
Member		 Dr. Balaji Babu,
Assistant Professor - Department of Chemistry		 Member - Secretary

Contact Information

For inquiries, submissions, or concerns regarding ethical issues in research, please contact the Institutional Ethics Committee at iec@srmap.edu.in