JKEUPM (Ethic Committee For Research Involving Human Subject)

The Universiti Putra Malaysia Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects (JKEUPM) was originally established as the Medical Research Ethics Committee. In 1998, its scope was expanded to include the Animal Ethics component. However, the Animal Ethics Committee has since been established as an independent entity responsible solely for animal care and use under the official name Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

JKEUPM is mandated to safeguard the rights, safety, and well-being of research participants while ensuring that researchers adhere to established ethical standards in studies involving human subjects.

In carrying out its responsibilities, JKEUPM is guided by the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki (2008), developed by the World Medical Association (WMA) in 1964. The Declaration emphasises that the well-being of human subjects must take precedence over all other interests, including national and international regulatory requirements.

In addition, JKEUPM adopts relevant provisions from the Nuremberg Code (1946), particularly in relation to the protection of participant privacy, transparency in communicating research objectives, and the obligation to safeguard participants from harm. The Committee also adheres to the International Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects (CIOMS).

Ethical approval from JKEUPM is required for research involving:

• Universiti Putra Malaysia students as study participants
• Universiti Putra Malaysia staff as study participants
• The use of Universiti Putra Malaysia facilities

JKEUPM operates in compliance with Malaysian laws and regulations while meeting international ethical assurance standards.

Authority of JKEUPM

JKEUPM has the authority to:

• Approve, require modifications to, or disapprove research proposals based on human subject protection considerations
• Require progress reports from investigators and monitor the conduct of approved studies
• Suspend or terminate the approval of any study
• Impose restrictions or additional conditions on approved studies

JKEUPM Post Approval Subcommittee (PASC)

The Post Approval Subcommittee (PASC) provides oversight and direction on post-approval submissions related to study protocols and associated documents. This includes submission procedures, required forms, documentation of committee decisions, communication with Principal Investigators (PIs), and proper record management and filing.

JKEUPM Social Science Subcommittee (SSSC)

The Social Science Subcommittee (SSSC) is responsible for reviewing research proposals involving human subjects to ensure that studies demonstrate scientific merit, adhere to accepted standards of practice, and adequately protect participants’ rights and welfare. SSSC reviews research proposals that fall outside the scope of health and medical sciences.

However, SSSC does not review research involving:

• Invasive physiological clinical and/or medical interventions
• The use of human tissue
• Human genetic research
• Research involving hospital staff, patients, or resources (public or private)

Attached herewith is the flow chart of the JKEUPM review process.

For more information, please contact +603-9769 1421/1438/1439/1244/1054 or email jkeupm@upm.edu.my.

Updated:: 21/04/2026 [amira.rahim]