Ethics Policy

Informed Consent Policy

SIARE (Society of Integrated Academic Research and Education) requires that all research involving human participants is conducted with full respect for participant autonomy, dignity, and rights.

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement and must be obtained before participation in any research involving human subjects or identifiable data.

Based on Declaration of Helsinki, ICMJE, COPE

Mandatory Consent

All participants must provide informed consent before inclusion.

Transparency

Participants must understand purpose, risks, and benefits.

Privacy Protection

Consent required for identifiable data or images.

Special Cases

Additional safeguards for minors and vulnerable groups.

1. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all research involving human participants, including:

  • Clinical and medical studies
  • Surveys, interviews, and behavioral research
  • Case studies and case reports
  • Use of identifiable personal data or images

2. Requirement for Informed Consent

Authors must confirm that informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their inclusion in the study.

  • Consent must be voluntary and free from coercion
  • Participants must be adequately informed
  • Consent must be documented where applicable
Manuscripts lacking a clear consent statement may be rejected or returned for revision.

3. What Constitutes Informed Consent

Participants must be provided with clear and understandable information about:

  • Purpose and objectives of the research
  • Procedures and participation requirements
  • Potential risks and benefits
  • Data usage and confidentiality
  • Right to withdraw at any time

4. Consent for Publication of Identifiable Information

Explicit consent is required for publishing identifiable information, including:

  • Photographs or video recordings
  • Case details that could reveal identity
  • Personal or clinical records
Authors must ensure that anonymity is preserved unless explicit consent has been obtained.

5. Consent for Minors and Vulnerable Groups

For participants who are unable to provide consent:

  • Consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian
  • Additional safeguards must be described
  • Assent from minors should be obtained where appropriate

6. Waiver of Consent

In limited cases, consent may be waived if:

  • Approved by an ethics committee
  • Research involves minimal risk
  • Data is anonymized and non-identifiable

Authors must clearly justify and document such waivers.

7. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Researchers must ensure:

  • Secure storage and handling of participant data
  • Compliance with applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR)
  • Removal or anonymization of identifying details

8. Reporting Requirements

Manuscripts must include a clear statement confirming:

  • Informed consent was obtained
  • Ethical approval details (if applicable)
  • Consent for publication of identifiable data (if applicable)

9. Ethical Violations

Failure to obtain proper consent constitutes serious misconduct and may result in:

  • Rejection of submission
  • Retraction of published work
  • Institutional notification

Cases will be handled under the Handling Misconduct Policy.

10. Proceeding-Specific Requirements

Additional requirements may apply depending on the subject area or proceeding.

Authors must review the Publication Ethics & Integrity page of the respective proceeding before submission.

11. International Guidelines

Contact

For consent-related queries:

[email protected]
[email protected]