The University of the Philippines Open University Institutional Research Ethics Committee (UPOU IREC) in collaboration with the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) recently spearheaded a comprehensive training workshop on research ethics, focusing on Basic Research Ethics Training (BRET) last April 15-16, 2024. The two-day hybrid workshop aimed to equip attendees with a thorough understanding of foundational research ethics principles and ethical research practices for the advancement of knowledge and human welfare.
Dr. Angelica Francisco, a distinguished member of the PHREB Committee on Information Dissemination, Training, and Advocacy, along with Dr. Ruben C. Mendoza from Ateneo de Manila University, served as esteemed resource speakers for the event.
Dr. Myra D. Oruga, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for Research and Publication, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Primo G. Garcia, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, underscoring the workshop’s dual role: providing a platform to delve into research ethics principles and practices while reaffirming the institution’s steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity in knowledge pursuit. The importance of conducting research ethically, with integrity, honesty, and transparency, was emphasized.
The workshop drew participation from twenty-six attendees representing UPOU IREC members, faculty members and REPS of UP Open University. These participants will be the new set of UPOU IREC pool of reviewers, reinforcing the institution’s ethical oversight of research endeavors within its academic and institutional spheres.
The workshop has provided valuable insights into research ethics and underscored UPOU’s ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of responsible and ethical research conduct. The inclusion of participants in the UPOU IREC pool of reviewers reflects a collective commitment to upholding ethical standards in research, thereby contributing to the advancement of academia and society at large.
Written by Marian Tatlonghari ♦ Edited by Dr. Myra D. Oruga and Yasele Yambao ♦ Contributed by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
