Q: What are the requirements needed for ethics review?

A: In order for the CSSP-ERB to begin the review process, the following documents need to be submitted:

• Completed CSSP-ERB RVW Form 01 (Application Form) 

• Filled-up CSSP-ERB RVW Form 02 (Assessment Form) to be submitted in Word file only

• Study Protocol or Study Proposal

• Informed Consent Forms (ICF) and Assent Forms (if applicable)

• UP Form 5 for CSSP undergraduate and graduate students or Curriculum Vitae for faculty and visiting research fellows

• Other materials the researcher will provide to the participants during the research (ex. advertisements, questionnaires, etc.)

Q: Where do we submit these requirements?

A: All requirements are submitted online via email to csspethicsboard.upd@up.edu.ph 

Q: When is the deadline for submission of research protocols for ethics review?

A: The CSSP-ERB accepts submissions of research protocols all year long. However, for CSSP undergraduate and graduate students, your ethics review application may be contingent on your academic deadlines. Please consult with your adviser (and the Office of the Graduate Program for graduate students) on when to incorporate the ethics review in your thesis or dissertation timelines.

Q: What are the different review categories? How are these categories determined?

A: There are three review categories: (1) exemption, (2) expedited review, and (3) full review. 

Research protocols for exemption do not involve more than minimal risks or harms to human participants. A few examples of these are protocols that do not involve human participants or research using publicly accessible databases. See SOP 2.1 for more details.

Research protocols for expedited review are those that present no more than minimal risk to human participants, do not involve vulnerable populations, use data collection methods that are non-sensitive in nature, and use appropriate measures to protect participants' privacy and confidentiality. See SOP 4.1 for more details.

Research protocols for full review are those that entail more than minimal risk to participants and researchers, involve participants from vulnerable groups, and generate vulnerability to participants. See SOP 4.2 for more details.

Q: How long will the ethics review of my research protocol take?

A. Depending on the review category, an ethics review can last from 5 to 30 working days. More specifically, review of protocols exempted from review often takes no more than 5 working days. Expedited reviews often take 15 working days. Full reviews often take 30 working days. While these estimates also take into account the revisions and resubmissions phase, timelines may still vary.

Q: How long is the validity of my ethics clearance?

A: A Certificate of Ethics Clearance issued by the CSSP-ERB is valid for one year. If your study extends beyond this period, you may request for an extension by submitting via email the CSSP-ERB RVW Form 15 (Continuing Review Form).

Q: What happens when I am finished with my research?

A: The CSSP-ERB requires all researchers to close their research by submitting via email the CSSP-ERB RVW Form 13 (Final Report Form).