The Visayas State University Human Ethics Review Committee (VSU-HERC) launched a departmental Research Ethics Seminar Series in January 2025 to promote a culture of responsible and ethical research among students and faculty. The event was spearheaded by Dr. Janet Alexis De los Santos, Head of Research Ethics Board (REB), and the Chairman of Human Ethics Review Committee (HERC). This initiative aims to strengthen and capacitate VSU faculty and student’s research capabilities as well to promote integrity, protect the rights of participants, and reinforce institutional adherence to ethical standards and regulatory policies.

The first leg of the seminar was held on January 24, 2025, in collaboration with the Department of Economics and the VSU Young Economists Society. Following its successful launch, the event continued at the Faculty of Computing on February 6, 2025, attended by computer science students and faculty. The third seminar was conducted at the Faculty of Teacher Education and provided valuable insights on research ethics in the context of education. Most recently, on May 15, 2025, another session was undertaken at the Department of Biotechnology and was attended by biotech students and faculty.

Meanwhile, biotechnology students actively participated in the Research Ethics Seminar held on May 15, 2025. Each session facilitated a comprehensive overview of the essential ethics standard operating procedures in VSU, the responsibilities associated with conducting approved research protocols, along with guidelines for identifying vulnerable participants and the importance of transparency and accountability in research procedures.

Furthermore, Dr. De los Santos emphasized that ethical compliance is not merely procedural but reflects the university’s values. “Research ethics compliance goes beyond paperwork. It is a reflection of our respect for the people and communities we engage with. Upholding ethical standards is how we ensure that our pursuit of knowledge never comes at the expense of human dignity” she remarked.

The seminar has gained participation across the university, with more departments set to engage in the coming months. Building on this momentum, upcoming seminars will continue across different faculties and departments, further supporting the university’s mission to produce responsible, ethical, and globally competitive researchers.