When Is Ethical Approval Required?

Ethics Committee Approval is mandatory for research that falls into any of the following categories:

• Data Collection from Humans: This includes any form of data collection via surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, or experiments.
• Use of Animals: Researchers utilizing animals or animal-derived materials for scientific or experimental purposes must obtain approval.
• Materials from Humans or Animals: Any research that uses materials or data derived from human or animal sources requires ethical review.
• Clinical Studies: Studies involving human or animal subjects in a clinical context are subject to ethical scrutiny.
• Retrospective Studies: Although some exceptions exist for research completed before 2020, retrospective studies generally require ethical approval.

Key Steps in the Ethical Approval Process

1. Application Preparation

The first step involves preparing a comprehensive research proposal that outlines the following key elements:

• Objectives and significance of the research
• Methodology and participant recruitment strategies
• Data handling processes
• Risk mitigation strategies

Researchers should identify whether their study requires ethical committee and/or special legal permission, and determine the appropriate ethics committee for their submission.

2. Submission Process

After preparing the necessary documentation, researchers must complete the ethics committee’s official application form, including all requested supporting documents. This can include:

• Detailed research proposal
• Associated legal documentation, if required

The submission can usually be done electronically, adhering to the specific instructions provided by the institution or faculty.

3. Documentation Requirements

The following documentation is essential for the submission:

• Proof of Ethics Committee Approval from previous studies, if applicable
• A detailed description of how the research complies with international guidelines on ethics and data protection
• Justification for exemption from ethics approval for retrospective studies, if applicable

4. Committee Review

Once submitted, the ethics committee will review the proposal for compliance with ethical, legal, and scientific standards. The committee may request additional clarifications or modifications to ensure the protection of participants and the integrity of the research.

5. Decision and Reporting

If the committee approves the proposal, the researcher will receive an official document detailing the institution, approval date, and decision number. This approval must be included in any thesis, publication, or related document resulting from the research.

Ethical Standards and Legal Compliance

Research requiring ethical approval must adhere to international ethical standards and relevant legal regulations in Türkiye. Additionally, the law regarding personal data protection is also applicable, particularly for studies involving personal information.

Final Considerations

Securing ethical committee approval is not just a legal obligation but also a hallmark of responsible research practice in Türkiye. Researchers must ensure full compliance with these protocols before initiating any research involving human or animal subjects. The ethical approval process serves to protect participants and uphold the integrity of the research, making it an essential requirement for all PhD candidates, both local and international.

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