Date of Award

11-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Bioethics

First Advisor

Prof. Dr. Aasim Ahmad

Second Advisor

Dr. Mustafa Aslam

Third Advisor

Dr. Shazia Babar

Department

Educational Development

Abstract

Background: Ethics Review Committees (ERCs) are central to safeguarding the rights and dignity of human research participants while upholding methodological rigor and institutional credibility. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Pakistan, ERCs often face systemic challenges including limited training, procedural inefficiencies, and weak regulatory frameworks. Exploring the perceptions and experiences of graduate students and faculty is essential for strengthening ERCs and cultivating a culture of ethical research.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of postgraduate students and faculty toward ERCs in a Pakistani academic context, and to identify systemic gaps and opportunities for strengthening ERC effectiveness.
Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. In the quantitative phase, a self-developed, validated questionnaire was administered to 91 participants (54 faculty and 37 postgraduate students) across three faculties at a private sector university in Islamabad. In the qualitative phase, purposively selected participants were interviewed to elaborate on survey findings. A document audit of institutional ERC policies and procedures was also conducted. Findings were integrated through triangulation to ensure depth and validity.
Results: The quantitative component showed generally positive perceptions of ERC functioning, with 74% of faculty and 69% of graduate students reporting clarity in application requirements and 63% noting improved communication over the past year. Qualitative analysis produced four major themes: (1) timelines and procedural efficiency, (2) transparency and fairness, (3) communication and relationships, and (4) training and capacity building. Collectively, these findings highlight both progress and persistent operational constraints within ERC functioning. The document audit v confirmed the absence of explicit timelines, weak post-approval monitoring, and procedural variability.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that while researchers increasingly value the ERC’s evolving processes, key structural and communication-related gaps continue to shape their overall experience and expectations. Strengthening ethics education, institutionalizing structured training for ERC members, and adopting standardized timelines and communication mechanisms are critical to enhancing ERC credibility and effectiveness.

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1

Last Page

99

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