Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
Research Ethics Standing Subcommittees
The subcommittees are responsible for reviewing and approving research ethics, issuing ethical approvals, and following up on researchers' compliance with post-approval requirements, in accordance with the approved regulations and controls.
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When do you need ethical approval?
- Before starting to carry out any research within a scope that requires ethical review.
- For research that deals with health/biological aspects or involves living creatures.
- for research using experimental animals.
- for research that may harm the environment.
- When the journal or supporting organization requires ethical approval.
What types of research require submission?
These include, but are not limited to, research that addresses humanitarian and health aspects, research using experimental animals, and research that may result in harm to the environment.
Steps to apply for approval (brief and clear)
Register as a researcher and take the customized test
Fill out the Research Ethics Form (by field) + Informed Consent Form (link 1)
3. Fill out the application form (link 2) and attach the required files (link 3)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for approval from the Ethics Committee?
Before starting any research that requires ethical review, especially research that deals with health/biological aspects, involves living creatures, or may have an impact on the environment.
What types of research need to be submitted to the committee?
What are the consequences of not getting approval from the Ethics Committee?
How long does it take to get approval?
After getting approval, what should I do?
It is not permissible to conduct research on Insan before obtaining post-notification approval in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the executive regulations, and please refer to the requirements for post-notification approval via the dedicated links.
What systemic references are available?
The Executive Regulations of the Research Ethics System on Living Creatures and the Research Ethics System on Living Creatures can be found on the official links.
Standing Subcommittee on Health and Bioethics Research Ethics
A committee specialized in reviewing and approving the ethics of health and biomedical research, issuing ethical approvals and following up on compliance with post-approval requirements.
Scope of jurisdiction (examples):
- Research on humans, health data, or biological samples.
- Clinical/laboratory studies with a health or biological dimension.
- Living organism research within the health/biomedical field.
For general inquiries or technical support, you can contact the following channels:
Standing Subcommittee on Applied Research Ethics
A committee specialized in reviewing the ethics of applied research related to science, engineering, computing, etc. and issuing ethical approvals and following up on compliance with post-approval requirements.
Scope of jurisdiction (examples):
- Applied research in engineering/computer/science.
- Projects involving the collection of data from individuals or organizations (privacy/data protection).
- Experiments or models that may relate to user safety or the environment.
You can contact the Standing Committee for Health and Bioethics Research Ethics through the following channels
Standing Subcommittee on Research Ethics
A committee specialized in reviewing the ethics of theoretical and humanistic research, including field studies, questionnaires and interviews, issuing ethical approvals and following up on adherence to post-approval requirements.
Scope of jurisdiction (examples):
- Research in the humanities, social sciences and education.
- Questionnaires, interviews and field studies (informed consent/privacy).
- Research that requires additional controls related to data protection and participant confidentiality.