HCU-IRB - Heritage Christian University

Core Mandate of the HCU-IRB

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) shall have the primary mandate of protecting the rights, dignity, and welfare of human participants in research. The IRB will ensure that all research conducted within the university adheres to established ethical standards and regulatory frameworks, including compliance with national and international ethical guidelines for research.

Vision Statement

Mission Statement

To be a leader in advancing ethically responsible research, fostering innovation, and setting the benchmark for research integrity and participant protection in higher education.

To uphold the highest ethical standards in research by ensuring the protection of participants, fostering innovation, and supporting researchers with effective guidance and oversight to advance academic and professional excellence.

Procedure for Applying for Ethical Clearance

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

a. Complete the ethical clearance application form.

b. Draft a detailed research proposal, including objectives, methodology, and significance of the study.

c. Fill out all required forms as listed on the webpage.

d. Include all additional documentation as applicable, such as survey instruments, interview guides, or experimental protocols.

Step 2: Submit the Application

a. Submit all required documents electronically to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Secretariat via irb@hcu.edu.gh

b. Ensure submission is made within the specified application deadlines.

Step 3: Preliminary Review

a. The IRB Secretariat shall review the application for completeness and compliance with submission guidelines.

b. Applicants may be contacted to address any deficiencies or provide additional information.

Step 4: Full Review by the IRB

a. Once cleared by the IRB secretariat, the application shall undergo a comprehensive review by the IRB committee.

b. The review shall focus on ethical considerations, including participant safety, consent, confidentiality, and compliance with regulations.

Step 5: Notification of Outcome

The IRB shall communicate the decision in writing, which may include:

Approval: The research is cleared to proceed as proposed.
Conditional Approval: Modifications are required before final approval.
Rejection: The study does not meet ethical standards.

Step 6: Post-Approval Requirements

a. Approved researchers must adhere to reporting requirements, including submitting progress reports (staff and students of Heritage Christian University), amendments for protocol changes, and incident reports if applicable.

b. Final reports must be submitted upon study completion.

Key Notes:

a. Applications involving vulnerable populations or high-risk studies may require additional scrutiny.

b. Researchers are advised to consult with the IRB Secretariat for guidance during the application process.

Application Fee

Download Application Fee