Ethics Review Committee

1.1 Definition of Research by NUS-IRB

A systematic investigation, including research development, testing or evaluation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Such activity may or may not differ in any significant way from customary medical or other professional practice. Educational exercises involving human participants that are not construed as "research" (e.g., class demonstrations and exercises that do not lead to publishable materials) do not require ethics review, unless otherwise required by the Faculty or Department Heads. The intent to publish is usually one criterion for a project to be considered research. Most reputable journals would require the research to be reviewed by the IRB before they will agree to publish the results of the research.

1.2 Definition of Social, Behavioural and Educational Research (SBER) by NUS-IRB

Human-based research studies that do not fall under the purview of “Human Biomedical Research Act (HBRA)” will generally be categorised as "Social, Behavioural and Educational Research (SBER)".

2.1 Responsibilities of the DERC

The DERC may review all faculty research involving human subjects when:

• i. they are construed as “research”;
• ii. the research is excluded from the HBRA;
• iii. the faculty’s research is of minimal risk¹ and qualifies for an Exemption;
• iv. the research does not involve vulnerable populations² and/or deception³ (see IRB-GUIDE-020 on use of deception in research), or sensitive topics;
• v. the research involves the use of lucky draws in lieu of reimbursement for participation in the study, where the conduct of the lucky draws or research fulfil the criteria as stated in the NUS-IRB’s guidelines for lucky draws; and
• vi. the research does not involve any testing of a medical device or health product as defined in the Health Products Act.

All research not covered above will have to be reviewed by the NUS-IRB. The DERC may also refer research studies to the NUS-IRB if they are uncomfortable with undertaking the review. The NUS-IRB will issue a statement of concurrence for DERC-approved studies, upon request by the PI for the purpose of publication and/ or release of grant funding. Faculty can also submit their research that qualify for Exemption to the NUS-IRB directly for ethics review.

¹Risk is considered minimal where the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater, in and of themselves, than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests.
²Refers to subjects who may be unduly coerced or influenced to participate (e.g. children, prisoners, pregnant women, cognitively impaired persons, or educationally disadvantaged persons who require special consideration to protect their welfare.)
³Deception occurs when (i) a researcher deliberately gives subjects false information about some aspect of the research; or (ii) knowingly withholds information about the real purpose or nature of the research (i.e. incomplete disclosure or concealment).

2.2 Composition of the Medical Sciences Departmental Ethics Review Committee

Chairperson
Dr Ivan Low Cherh Chiet

Deputy Chairperson
Dr Zakaria Ali Moh. Almsherqi

DERC Members
Associate Professor Thilo Hagen
Associate Professor Judy Sng Chia Ghee
Dr Natasha Luke
Dr Yeo Huimin
Dr Amanda Wong
Dr Wong Lik Wei
Ms Swapna Haresh Teckwani

Administrative Staff-in-Charge
Ms Swapna Haresh Teckwani

To find out if your research study qualifies for exemption, you may verify it with IRB’s List of SBER Exemption Categories under the heading “Exemption Categories”.

With effect from 25 February 2025, all MSDERC applications should be submitted via the DERC Review and Approval Management Application (DREAM app). Hardcopy submissions sent via email will no longer be accepted. The app can be accessed via this link: DERC Review and Approval Management (DREAM) App
Applicants may refer to the user guide here for more information

Reviewers at MSDERC will endeavour to respond to your application within 2 weeks from date of study submission.

Application Form
Participant Information Sheet & Consent Form
Protocol Amendment Form

Further information can be found on the website of NUS-IRB. For more enquiries, you may email: Swapna Haresh Teckwani, swapnaht@nus.edu.sg