Ethical Issues

Scientific and Ethical Review Group (SERG)

Participants in a WHO reproductive healrth research ethics workshop, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso , July 2007

The Scientific and Ethical Review Group (SERG) is the senior peer review body for research proposals submitted to or generated by HRP. It fosters recognition of the need for ethical principles and the use of ethical practices in social science, biomedical, introductory and epidemiological research in human reproduction.

On request and where appropriate, SERG conducts reviews for other programmes and departments in WHO and for other agencies. Terms of reference

Primary responsibilities of SERG

• to assess the scientific and technical soundness of the proposed research

• to ensure that all ethical requirements are fully met

Additional responsibilities of SERG

• provide guidance on ethical issues in research in human reproduction guidelines

• strengthen institutional ethical review procedures (workshops)

• promote discussion of ethical principles and practices in human reproduction (meetings)

Composition of SERG

A Panel of approximately 30 members (non-clinical and clinical scientists, ethicists and lawyers) of whom a core group of 6 to 12 members participates in all SERG meetings).

Additional participants are invited to specific meetings according to the expertise required to review the submitted proposals.

A member of the Programme's Toxicology Panel participates as a full SERG member to provide liaison with HRP's Toxicology Panel for reviews of proposals that include a safety evaluation component