Research Ethics Committee
The Research Ethics Committee of Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam is an independent body operating in accordance with ethical principles and Vietnamese law. The Committee is responsible for evaluating, reviewing, and approving biomedical research, clinical trials, traditional medicine, cosmetics, and functional food studies involving human participants.
The Biomedical Research Ethics Committee was established under Decision No. 175/QĐ-VHLYH dated May 17, 2025, issued by the Director of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam, and was assigned activity registration code IRB-VN02.067 by the Department of Science, Technology and Training – Ministry of Health. The Committee consists of 7 members who meet the requirements for professional expertise, independence, and diversity in accordance with Circular No. 43/2024/TT-BYT.
The Ethics Committee of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam is an independent body operating in accordance with ethical principles and Vietnamese law. The Committee is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and approving biomedical research, clinical trials, traditional medicine research, cosmetics research, and functional food research involving human participants.
Organizational Structure of the Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam consists of 7 highly qualified, multidisciplinary, and independent members. The Committee operates under its own regulations and complies with the provisions of Circular No. 43/2024/TT-BYT issued by the Ministry of Health.
| No. | Full Name | Professional Qualification | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huỳnh Lời | PhD – Traditional Pharmacy | Chairperson |
| 2 | Lê Thị Kiều Hạnh | PhD – Public Health | Vice Chairperson |
| 3 | Ao Xuân Quy | Bachelor of Laws | Member |
| 4 | Bùi Kim Nữ | MD, MSc – Traditional Medicine | Member |
| 5 | Nguyễn Thị Xuyên | Specialist Level I Physician – Traditional Medicine | Member |
| 6 | Lê Văn Út | PhD – Plant Physiology | Member |
| 7 | Bùi Anh Tuấn | MD – General Medicine | Member |
Objectives and Mission of the Ethics Committee
The core mission of the Ethics Committee of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam is to:
- Protect the legal rights and interests of research participants, particularly patients and volunteers;
- Ensure ethical and scientific integrity in the design, conduct, and oversight of research;
- Promote transparency and minimize ethical risks in biomedical research.
Specific objectives include:
- Review research applications to ensure ethical compliance;
- Monitor and oversee research throughout its implementation;
- Review and address ethical issues that may arise during research activities;
- Provide research ethics consultation and training for scientists, lecturers, and trainees;
- Participate in the development of institutional and national policies related to medical ethics.
Functions and Responsibilities
Review of Research Applications
The Committee is responsible for reviewing all research protocols involving human participants, including:
- Clinical research (Phases I–IV);
- Traditional medicine research involving medicinal herbs and other medicinal materials;
- Research involving the application of cosmetics and functional foods;
- Medical psychosocial research;
- Other research projects involving human participants.
Ethics Oversight Throughout the Research Process
- Review periodic reports;
- Conduct unannounced inspections at research sites;
- Issue recommendations or require the temporary suspension of research if violations are identified.
Ethics Consultation and Review
- Provide consultation to the Academy's leadership, research departments, and professional committees;
- Review issues related to informed consent, personal data processing, risk management, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Operating Principles of the Ethics Committee
- Respect for Human Rights: All research must involve voluntary participation, provide adequate information to participants, and allow them to withdraw at any time without penalty or discrimination.
- Confidentiality: Personal data must be encrypted, securely stored, and used solely for research purposes.
- Benefit–Risk Balance: Research may only proceed when the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks and all reasonably possible measures have been taken to minimize those risks.
- Transparency and Independence: The Committee operates according to the principle of avoiding conflicts of interest and must not be influenced by sponsors or researchers.
Contact the Ethics Committee – Academy of Medical Sciences, Vietnam
- Email: [hddd@vienhanlamyhoc.vn](mailto:hddd@vienhanlamyhoc.vn)
- Hotline: 0869.725.469
