Research Compliance Unit (RCU)
Establishment & Scope
The NHG Research Compliance Unit (RCU) ensures NHG’s compliance with Singapore's Human Biomedical Research Act (HBRA).
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Learn more about the Human Biomedical Research Act (HBRA) here.
The NHG Research Compliance Unit oversees 5 key portfolios:
Research Institution Secretariat
The NHG Research Institution (RI) is responsible for ensuring that all human biomedical research conducted under its supervision and control is in compliance with the HBRA.
For the purpose of coordinating research across collaborative studies, the RI of the submitting/lead Principal Investigator will be assumed as the lead RI.
About the Research Institution (RI) Policy
The RI Policy outlines the functions and duties of NHG RI and duties of
the NHG Principal Person-In-Charge (PIC) to fulfill the requirements of
the HBRA and describes the NHG research governance framework that enables
the RI to meet the requirements of the HBRA and other relevant Acts and
regulations applicable to research. This also outlines the roles and responsibilities
of the following committees that provide oversight of human biomedical
research (HBR) activities in NHG:
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Research Committee (RC)
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Research Ethics Committee (REC)
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Tissue Compliance Committee (TCC)
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Research Data Oversight Committee (RDOC)
Download the NHG Research Institution (RI) Policy here (Restricted: NHG Intranet access required).
Research Data Secretariat
The NHG Research Data Secretariat (RDS) provides support to the NHG Principal Person-In-Charge (PIC) to oversee cluster policies and procedures on the use and management of research data. Research Data Working Committee (RDWC) will work with the RDS to make recommendations for the improvement of research data management practices to ensure compliance with legislations, in particular the HBRA, the PDPA and HIM.
Learn more about Managing Research Data here.
Tissue Compliance Committee Secretariat
The NHG Tissue Compliance Committee (TCC) was formed to advise on the set up, conduct and monitoring of institutional human tissue banks. The TCC comprises representatives from each NHG institution.
Learn more about Human Tissue Management here.
Execution of Proactive Monitoring Framework
Under the Human Biomedical Research Act (HBRA), part 5, section 23(2), each Research Institution (RI) is required to supervise, review and proactively monitor its human biomedical research (HBR) studies.
In NHG, a monitoring framework was developed to meet this statutory requirement. The objectives of the NHG Monitoring Programme are to:
(i) Safeguard the safety and well-being of the research participants;
(ii) Ensure good quality and integrity of the research data; and to
(iii) Ensure the conduct of the study is in accordance to applicable regulations, policies and guidelines
The NHG Monitoring Programme focuses on PI-Initiated studies conducted in NHG institutions. The extent of monitoring depends on the nature and risks of the study and the experience of the PI.
Learn more about the NHG Monitoring Programme here.
Responsible Conduct of Research Secretariat
The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) unit aims to equip our researchers with the knowledge of best practices in research to guide them in making the right decisions. This would be especially applicable in instances that challenge individual values and integrity.
Learn more about Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) here.
Contact Information
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Research Institution Secretariat: NHGRISecretariat@nhg.com.sg
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Research Data Secretariat: RDOCSecretariat@nhg.com.sg
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Tissue Compliance Committee Secretariat: NHGTCCSecretariat@nhg.com.sg
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Responsible Conduct of Research Secretariat: NHGRCRSecretariat@nhg.com.sg