About

In terms of the National Health Act 61 of 2003, the Sefako Makgatho University Research Ethics Committee (SMUREC) is registered with the Department of Health National Research Ethics Council (NHREC).

SMUREC is the official registered body responsible for independent review of all health research at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University before commencement of a study. These include protocols from all Schools and Research Support Units under the jurisdiction of the SMU.  No post hoc approvals will be conducted.

‘Health research’ means any research that contributes to knowledge of:

• the biological, clinical, psychological or social processes with regard to humans;
• research on animals that will benefit human health
• the causes and effects of, and responses to disease and human pathology;
• the causes of disease
• the effects of the environment on humans;
• methods that improve health care service delivery;
• the development and evaluation of health-related interventions, which include medicines (allopathic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional, etc.) and related substances; vaccines; surgical procedures; appliances and technology; behavioural, nutritional and other interventions; and health systems management and policy interventions.