Sahmyook University Earns Re-certification for Institutional Review Board

Sahmyook University has earned re-certification for its Institutional Review Board (IRB) from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, securing its status until April 27, 2029. This achievement underscores the university's dedication to upholding stringent ethical standards in research involving human subjects and human biological materials.

The IRB plays a critical role in ensuring the ethical conduct of research. Established under the "Act on Bioethics and Safety," it requires approval for any study involving human participants or biological samples. The committee rigorously reviews research proposals and monitors ongoing studies to safeguard the rights and well-being of participants.

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This re-certification is the result of our continuous efforts to create an international-level bioethics environment and build reliable research infrastructure.

South Korea's IRB evaluation and certification system, introduced to align with international ethical research standards, has become increasingly strict since its mandatory implementation in 2016 and formal certification in 2021. Sahmyook University's successful re-certification follows its initial accreditation in 2023, demonstrating its consistent adherence to high-quality research practices and its established credibility.

This renewed certification not only validates Sahmyook University's robust research framework but also grants it the authority to conduct review processes for other institutions. Furthermore, it provides a competitive advantage, offering bonus points for applications to government research and development projects, particularly in the field of health technology. Lee Seung-won, the IRB chairman, expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing the university's ongoing commitment to prioritizing participant safety and fostering an ethical research environment.

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We will continue to prioritize the rights and safety of research participants and further strengthen the role and support of the Institutional Committee to ensure that university researchers can conduct research responsibly in an ethical and safe environment.