Research ethics committees – UGC NET Question

Ethics committees are established to review research proposals for compliance with ethical standards related to human and animal welfare, informed consent and risk management. They ensure that research respects dignity, rights and safety. The stem points to committees that examine ethical aspects of research, which are correctly called ethics committees. Therefore, Option D is the right answer.

Option A:
Finance committees oversee budgeting and resource allocation and do not focus on consent, risk, or moral justification in research. Thus, Option A is incorrect.

Option B:
Sports committees manage sporting events and facilities and have no mandate to review research ethics. Hence, Option B is incorrect.

Option C:
Discipline committees deal with misconduct and disciplinary issues and are different from specialised oversight of research protocols involving humans/animals. Therefore, Option C is incorrect.

Option D:
Option D is correct because ethics committees specifically review research protocols to protect participants/animals, ensure informed consent, manage risks, and comply with ethical guidelines.