Research that can be reviewed by DERCs:
| Student research that, | Faculty research that, |
- is construed as "research";
- is excluded from the HBRA;
- is of minimal risk;
- involves vulnerable populations and/or deception (see IRB-Guide-020 on use of deception in research);
- involves use of lucky draw in lieu of reimbursement for participation in the study, where the conduct of the lucky draw or research fulfil the criteria as stated in the NUS-IRB's guidelines for lucky draws;
- is not part of a faculty member's research project already subject to review by NUS-IRB;
- does not involve any testing of a medical device or health product as defined in the Health Products Act.
- has no funding, is self-funded, or funded by internal NUS grant/funding.
| - is construed as "research";
- is excluded from the HBRA;
- is of minimal risk and qualifies for an Exemption;
- does not involve vulnerable populations and/or deception (see IRB-Guide-020 on use of deception in research), or sensitive topics;
- involves use of lucky draw in lieu of reimbursement for participation in the study, where the conduct of the lucky draw or research fulfil the criteria as stated in the NUS-IRB's guidelines for lucky draws;
- does not involve any testing of a medical device or health product as defined in the Health Products Act; and
- has no funding, is self-funded, or funded by internal NUS grant/funding.
- From 8 October 2024, faculty research that is externally funded by overseas academic research organizations, Singapore Government agencies, or Statutory Boards, Singapore Government-owned companies up to a grant quantum of $180,000 can be reviewed by DERCs, provided the research also fulfils points 2.1.1 to 2.1.6 of the Guidelines (IRB-Guide-022).
- For all other external grants/ funding, such as commercial companies, please submit the application to the NUS-IRB.
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Please read all DERC Guidelines and Resources on what research qualifies for DERC review.
Commonly encountered issues - Research that cannot be reviewed by DERCs:
- If the research does not meet the criteria for DERC review e.g. student research that is externally funded, or faculty research that recruits vulnerable population e.g. children, the research should be submitted to IRB.
- Research involving data from human subjects in China should be submitted to IRB for review.
- Research requiring a waiver of parental consent cannot be reviewed by a DERC and should be submitted to IRB (see Guidelines below).
This is a non-exhaustive list.