Institutional Review Board Committee (IRB)

About the Committee

The Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SCOT) has established a local research ethics committee, registered under number (H-01-R-018), operating under the supervision of the National Committee of Bioethics (NCBE) at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), In compliance with the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 180 dated 9/6/1425H.
All research institutions and centers within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are mandated to establish a local research ethics committee under the supervision and oversight of NCBE.
The committee at SCOT is committed to advancing research in the field of organ donation and transplantation. Its mission is to contribute to knowledge development, enhance healthcare quality, including preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and psychological aspects, while upholding human dignity, justice, beneficence, and the protection of individual and community rights. The committee ensures that all research activities are conducted in accordance with the principles of Islamic law and the cultural and societal values of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Objectives 

1. Promote the highest standards of ethical practice and ensure compliance with ethical guidelines by all individuals involved in scientific research across public and private institutions.
2. Establish a legal and regulatory framework that clearly defines the relationship between the researcher, research participants, and the Center, while specifying the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
3. Strengthen local and international research collaborations and encourage excellence in research pertaining to organ donation and transplantation.
4.  Foster a culture of research ethics by translating theoretical concepts into practical, actionable standards and practices
    

IRB Responsibilities

1. Review and evaluate research proposals submitted to the Committee to ensure compliance with national regulations and ethical standards.
2. Safeguard the rights, safety, and well-being of human research participants.
3. Ensure that informed consent procedures are conducted appropriately, with full disclosure of the study’s purpose, risks, and benefits, while protecting vulnerable populations unable to provide consent, including children and individuals with disabilities.
4. Issue formal approval for research projects that meet ethical standards.
5. Conduct periodic monitoring of approved research to ensure adherence to approved protocols.
6. Coordinate with the Research Ethics Monitoring Office on matters within its jurisdiction