Intuitional Review Committee (IRC)

Introduction

The Institutional Review Committee (IRC) at Nobel College is dedicated to fostering an environment of academic rigor, scientific integrity, and ethical responsibility. As a pivotal body within the institution, the IRC ensures that all research activities meet the highest standards of validity, ethical compliance, and legal adherence, particularly in the fields of biomedical and health sciences. By aligning with the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) guidelines, the IRC safeguards the credibility and quality of research conducted under the auspices of Nobel College.

Purpose and Objectives

The IRC's primary purpose is to oversee and regulate research conducted within the institution. Its objectives include:

• Ensuring Ethical Research Practices: Upholding ethical principles and standards in all research endeavors.
• Promoting Scientific Integrity: Encouraging research that is methodologically sound and scientifically valid.
• Safeguarding Participant Rights: Protecting the dignity, rights, and welfare of research participants, especially in studies involving human subjects.
• Legal Compliance: Ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations governing research activities.

Authority and Responsibilities

The IRC operates under the authority of the Nobel College Management Board and is empowered to:

• Approve, reject, or suggest modifications to research proposals.
• Monitor ongoing research for compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Terminate any research project that violates established guidelines or is deemed unfeasible.
• Oversee research involving human participants, laboratory studies, public health investigations, and other allied health disciplines.

This broad mandate underscores the IRC's central role in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the institution's research activities.

Research Policy

The IRC follows a robust research policy framework, aligned with NHRC guidelines and relevant national legislation. Key policy highlights include:

1. Ethical Review: All research, irrespective of scope or field, must undergo thorough ethical evaluation to ensure compliance with scientific, ethical, and legal standards.
2. Interdisciplinary Oversight: The IRC reviews research across various disciplines, including biomedical sciences, public health, nursing, and laboratory sciences.
3. Institutional Review Process: The IRC ensures that every research project has undergone a complete and impartial review before initiation.

Administrative Structure

The IRC functions through a well-organized administrative system housed within the campus building. The Institutional Review Committee Office coordinates all review processes and serves as the central hub for research oversight. Key responsibilities of the IRC Office include:

• Facilitating the submission and review of research proposals.
• Communicating feedback, approvals, or rejections to researchers.
• Maintaining records of all reviewed research projects for accountability and transparency.

Commitment to Excellence

The IRC at Nobel College embodies the institution’s commitment to advancing research that is ethical, impactful, and aligned with global standards. By maintaining rigorous oversight and fostering a culture of integrity, the IRC ensures that Nobel College continues to lead in academic and scientific excellence.