Research ethics

Research ethics refers to the principles and standards that guide researchers in conducting their work responsibly, safely, and in accordance with accepted academic and professional practices, whether the research involves humans, animals, biological materials or laboratory based procedures.

Prince of Songkla University has committed the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in research, in alignment with the “Honor Code of PSU Academic Honesty”.

The training resources listed below are examples, provided by the faculty to support researchers. Researchers may also pursue training offered by other accredited organizations in Thailand or internationally, as long as the program meets appropriate ethical and professional standards. According to a variety of ethical considerations and different risk levels of each study, researchers are responsible for reviewing all relevant regulations, guidelines, and procedures before initiating any research activities.

Researcher Ethics

The principles of research integrity and responsible conduct can be learned through free online programs provided by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)

Responsible Conduct of Research https://elearning-necast.nrct.go.th/courses?id=55
Research Integrity https://elearning.nrct.go.th/?lang=en
Artificial Intelligence Ethics https://elearning.nrct.go.th/?lang=en

Human Research Ethics

Any research involving human participants must be reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) before data collection begins. Researchers should carefully review the submission requirements of the specific HREC to which they plan to apply as each institution may use different standard operating protocols.

As general requirements, all researchers listed on the project must complete certified training in human research ethics. The PSU HREC training certificates issued by the following organizations

- Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program)
  https://about.citiprogram.org
- Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM)
  https://www.sbm.org/training/good-clinical-practice-for-social-and-behavioral-research-elearning-course
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
  https://gcp.nidatraining.org/about
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  https://www.nih.gov/

Once a researcher has obtained a valid certificate, it must be submitted together with all required documents, according to the guidelines of each institution. Students must have all documents checked and endorsed by their advisor before submission.

After submission, the committee will evaluate the study based on its risk level and methodological considerations, and may request revisions or additional information. Further details can be found at

- Human Research Ethics Committee, Research and Development Office, PSU https://research.psu.ac.th/rid/hrec/
- Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, PSU https://www.nur.psu.ac.th/irb_psu/index.aspx

Animal Standard Ethics

Researchers must review all applicable regulations and guidelines governing the scientific use of animals and determine whether their work requires approval from an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). At least one member of the project must complete the certified training course for Animals Use License https://thaiiacuc.nrct.go.th/login?redirect=/uform. Following completion of training, researchers may apply for approval through the PSU Animal Ethic Submission Online https://research.psu.ac.th/rid/animal/

Access to Biological Resources and Plant/Animal Protection

Collection of biological specimens, including plants, animals, or genetic resources must comply with national regulations. Many species are protected, or endangered, or listed under CITES, and require prior authorization from relevant authorities. Research conducted in protected areas, such as, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or marine protected areas also requires official permits.

Researchers must therefore verify all applicable laws and permit requirements of the country where the research takes place and obtain the necessary approvals before entering the site or collecting any samples.

Lab Safety and Biosafety

Research involving biological materials, chemicals, or specialized laboratory equipment must follow Prince of Songkla University’s safety standards to ensure the well being of personnel and to prevent environmental harm. All researchers must complete accredited laboratory safety training, such as, ESPReL, National Research Council of Thailand https://elearning-labsafety.nrct.go.th/?lang=en. Besides, researchers may also search for PSU registered research laboratories through the system https://rid.psu.ac.th/labsafety/lab_search.php

After training, researchers must contact the laboratory coordinator before use

Ms. Warasri Promhom +66 (0) 7428 6858 varasri.p@psu.ac.th for the Equipment and Environmental Training Center, Faculty of Environmental Management
Ms. Monticha Jirajaras +66 (0) 7428 2323 monticha.p@psu.ac.th for the Marine and Coastal Resources Institute Laboratory, Faculty of Environmental Management

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