Research Ethics:Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Bioethics:In accordance with Royal Order No. 7/B/9512 and Council of Ministers Resolution No. 321, which approved the Law of Ethics of Research on Living Creatures and its Implementing Regulations, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University established its Local Committee for Research Ethics. The committee was registered with the National Committee of Bioethics under No. H-01-R-059 and is now known as the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The Board protects research participants’ rights and ensures the safety and integrity of research activities.
Guidelines for Obtaining Ethical Approval:All research conducted at the University must undergo ethical review and receive formal IRB approval before any research activities begin.
Noncompliance with applicable regulations and guidelines may result in the suspension of the research project and accountability measures against the research team.
Researchers must apply annually to renew ethical approval when continued research activities require it.
All forms and supporting documents must be signed by the principal investigator or research supervisor.
Research Ethics Review Pathways:
1. Exempt Review
For minimal-risk studies, such as surveys and research using anonymized records.
2. Expedited Review
For studies involving non-invasive interventions or routine physical examinations.
3. Full Committee Review
For clinical trials and studies involving drugs or medical devices in human participants. Quarterly progress reports are required for these studies.
Application Process and Required Documents:
Submit the research project proposal and all required supporting documents and forms to IRB@PNU.EDU.SA.
Required Documents:
Updated CVs of all researchers involved in the study.
A detailed research proposal outlining the study’s objectives, methodology, participant sample, and ethical considerations.
The data collection instrument or questionnaire, including its cover page.
The official application form for the review pathway: exempt, expedited, or full committee review.
Certificates of completion of research ethics training by all members of the research team.
Review Timelines:
Exempt and expedited reviews: 5–7 working days.
Full committee review: Up to 20 working days.
Application Procedures and Forms:Procedure
| Application Schedule
| Required Forms and Supporting Documents
|
Exempt and Expedited Review Applications
| Application deadline: Thursday, 16 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH (June 12, 2025).
Services resume: Sunday, 1 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 AH (August 24, 2025).
| Research Proposal and Application Forms
|
Research Amendment Requests
Researchers must submit an amendment request for any changes to an approved research proposal or any addition or removal of researchers from the research team after approval has been granted.
| Application deadline:
Thursday, 25 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH (June 11, 2026).
Services resume:
Sunday, 10 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH (August 23, 2026).
| Researchers must submit an amendment request for any changes to an approved research proposal or any addition or removal of researchers from the research team after approval has been granted.
Research Amendment Request Form
|
Approved Research Ethics Training Programs:
National Committee of Bioethics (NCBE)
National Research Ethics Course (Arabic).
Protecting Human Research Participants (PHRP)
Research participant protection training (English).
PHRP Training Platform
Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)Research ethics training (English).
CITI Program
Contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB)
For inquiries, contact the IRB at irb@pnu.edu.sa or call 011-8242106 or 011-8228994.
NCBE Regulations and Standards