Institutional Review Board for Human, Animal and Plant Research
Overview
The Institutional Review Board of Sulaimani Polytechnic University is responsible for the ethical review and approval of all research studies conducted under the University’s authority that involve:
- Human participants
- Experimental animals
- Biological materials
- Biodiversity resources and protected species
No research project may commence without prior ethical approval from the Committee. The board ensures that all registered studies comply with recognized international ethical frameworks and applicable national regulations.
International Ethical Frameworks Adopted by the Board
The Institutional Review Board evaluates study registrations in accordance with the following international standards:
1. Declaration of Helsinki
Ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects, including research on
identifiable human material and data as can be seen here.
2. Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientific Purposes
Standards ensuring humane care, housing, and use of animals in scientific research as can be seen here.
3. Convention on Biological Diversity
Framework for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources as can be seen here.
4. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Regulations governing the trade and use of endangered species to ensure their survival as can be seen here.
Scope of Ethical Review
All studies involving human participants, human tissue, biological samples, personal data, surveys, interviews, or clinical investigations must comply with the principles of:
- Voluntary participation and informed consent
- Respect for autonomy and dignity
- Risk–benefit assessment
- Confidentiality and data protection
- Protection of vulnerable groups
- Scientific validity and social value
Researchers must submit:
- Study protocol
- Informed consent forms
- Participant information sheets
- Data protection plan
- Risk assessment documentation
Approval is mandatory before data collection begins.
Informed Consent
The Informed Consent Statement must be retained by the authors rather than the Journal to ensure stronger protection of patient confidentiality. In line with the guidelines of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), research participants have a fundamental right to privacy, which must not be breached without their informed consent. Personal identifiers including names, hospital identification numbers, or biometric data such as fingerprints should not be included in a manuscript unless their disclosure is necessary for legitimate scientific reasons.
All research involving animals must demonstrate:
Scientific justification for animal use Application of the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)
- Appropriate housing, feeding, and veterinary care
- Minimization of pain, suffering, and distress
- Qualified personnel and proper facilities
Researchers must provide:
- Detailed animal use protocol
- Species justification
- Ethical risk assessment
- Housing and welfare plan
- End-of-study procedures
The Institutional Review Board may conduct monitoring visits where necessary.
Studies involving:
- Wild fauna and flora
- Genetic resources
- Endangered species
- International biological material transfer
Must demonstrate:
- Legal authorization and permits
- Compliance with biodiversity conservation laws
- Proper material transfer agreements (if applicable)
- Respect for international trade restrictions
- Environmental impact considerations
Study Registration Process
1. Submission of complete ethical review application.
2. Administrative screening for completeness.
3. Ethical review by Institutional Review Board members.
4. Request for clarification or modification (if required).
5. Issuance of:
- Ethical Approval Certificate
- Conditional Approval
- Rejection with explanation
Approval must be obtained before:
- Starting data collection
- Recruiting participants
- Conducting animal experiments
- Collecting biological or environmental samples
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Monitoring and Compliance
The Institutional Review Board reserves the right to:
- Request progress reports
- Conduct compliance audits
- Suspend or withdraw approval if ethical violations occur
- Report serious violations to university authorities
Failure to obtain ethical approval may result in:
- Suspension of the research project
- Rejection of thesis submission
- Ineligibility for publication under SPU affiliation
- Disciplinary action according to university regulation
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Commitment to Responsible Research
Sulaimani Polytechnic University is committed to ensuring that all research activities uphold the highest standards of ethical responsibility, scientific integrity, animal welfare, and environmental protection.
The Institutional Review Board plays a central role in safeguarding human dignity, promoting humane scientific practices, and protecting biodiversity for present and future generations.
For study registration and ethical approval submissions, researchers must follow the official procedures outlined by the Institutional Review Board.