Ethics Committee

About the Committee

The Malla Reddy Research Ethics Committee (MRREC) of Malla Reddy (MR) Deemed to be University is established to promote ethical, responsible and high-quality research across the University.

MRREC provides ethical oversight for research undertaken by faculty members, research scholars and students, particularly studies involving human participants and other research activities that require ethical review. The Committee is committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity, safety, privacy and well-being of research participants while promoting integrity, accountability and professionalism in research.

The Committee reviews eligible research proposals, evaluates potential ethical concerns, assesses risks and recommends appropriate safeguards before the commencement of research. MRREC also promotes awareness of research ethics, informed consent, confidentiality, responsible conduct of research and good academic practices.

The Committee functions in accordance with applicable institutional policies, national ethical guidelines, statutory and regulatory requirements and relevant University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.

Scope of Review

MRREC may review research proposals involving:

• Human participants.
• Collection of personal or sensitive information.
• Surveys, interviews and questionnaires involving research participants.
• Research involving vulnerable or special populations.
• Collection or use of biological samples, wherever applicable.
• Research involving interventions or procedures that may pose potential risks.
• Research requiring ethical clearance under applicable institutional, professional or regulatory requirements.

The Committee shall determine whether a research proposal requires ethical review based on the nature, scope and potential risks associated with the proposed study.

Functions of the Committee

MRREC performs the following key functions:

• Reviewing research proposals that require ethical evaluation.
• Assessing the ethical acceptability of research methodologies and procedures.
• Evaluating potential risks and anticipated benefits associated with proposed research.
• Reviewing participant recruitment procedures.
• Examining Participant Information Sheets and Informed Consent Forms, wherever applicable.
• Ensuring appropriate safeguards for the rights, safety, dignity and well-being of research participants.
• Reviewing measures proposed for maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
• Identifying actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Recommending modifications or additional safeguards where necessary.
• Granting ethical clearance or communicating other appropriate decisions following review.
• Reviewing significant amendments to previously approved research, wherever required.
• Monitoring approved research projects through progress reports or other appropriate mechanisms.
• Promoting awareness and training in research ethics and responsible conduct of research.
• Maintaining appropriate records of applications, reviews and Committee decisions.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Committee and its members shall perform their responsibilities with independence, impartiality, fairness and confidentiality. The duties and responsibilities of MRREC include:

• Developing and recommending institutional guidelines and procedures relating to research ethics.
• Reviewing research protocols objectively and without discrimination.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding research proposals, participant information and Committee deliberations.
• Ensuring that ethical review is based on the nature and potential risks of the proposed research.
• Assessing whether the potential benefits of research justify any foreseeable risks.
• Ensuring that researchers provide adequate information to participants, wherever applicable.
• Promoting voluntary participation and informed consent in research involving human participants.
• Ensuring appropriate protection of privacy and confidentiality.
• Providing additional safeguards for vulnerable research participants, wherever required.
• Managing conflicts of interest that may affect research or ethical review.
• Providing guidance to researchers on ethical issues and compliance requirements.
• Recommending corrective measures when ethical concerns or deviations are identified.
• Reviewing significant modifications to approved research protocols.
• Promoting awareness of responsible research practices across the University.
• Organizing workshops, seminars and awareness programmes on research ethics.
• Promoting responsible authorship, proper citation and good academic practices.
• Referring matters relating specifically to plagiarism or academic misconduct to the appropriate University mechanism.

Review Categories

Research proposals may be reviewed according to their nature, level of risk and applicable MRREC procedures.

Procedure for Functioning & Ethical Clearance

MRREC evaluates research proposals requiring ethical review and communicates decisions through prescribed channels. Ethical clearance must be obtained prior to starting research.

1. Submit prescribed application form with supporting documents to Member Secretary, MRREC.
2. Applications undergo preliminary scrutiny for completeness.
3. Proposal is evaluated under the designated review category.
4. Committee communicates approval, required modifications, deferral, or decline.
5. Research commences only after official clearance is issued.

Post-Graduate students and doctoral scholars submit applications through prescribed university channels, including:

• Duly completed MRREC application form and HOD forwarding letter.
• Complete research protocol and concise abstract (<500 words).
• Target population details, recruitment methods, and methodology.
• Participant Information Sheet, Informed Consent Forms, and survey instruments.

Faculty and Principal Investigators proposing human-subject research must submit:

• Application form forwarded through the Head of Department.
• Detailed proposal with clear rationale, sample size, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Data management plans, funding details, and Conflict of Interest declarations.

Important Requirements for Researchers

Researchers submitting applications to MRREC must ensure:

• Application data is precise, accurate, and scientifically valid.
• Voluntary participation and informed consent are strictly maintained.
• Data privacy and confidentiality safeguards are active.
• Protocol changes or ethical concerns are promptly reported to MRREC.

Committee Composition

MoM (Minutes of Meeting)