UPOU IREC Receives a Full Level 2 Accreditation from the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board

The University of the Philippines Open University Institutional Research Ethics Committee (UPOU IREC) has been granted Full Level 2 Accreditation by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) on 6 November 2024, valid until 24 January 2027.

On 25 January  2024, the Committee received a Provisional Level 2 Accreditation, which is valid until 24 January 2025. After months of dedicated work and commitment to fulfilling all accreditation requirements, the Committee is pleased to have achieved this significant milestone.

As a Level 2 accredited REC, the Committee is authorized to review research protocols involving human participants. Level 2 accreditation allows the review of all types of research, except clinical trials for FDA registration of new drugs, which may involve more than minimal risk to participants. The Committee is also authorized to review post-marketing studies.

The UPOU IREC is deeply committed to upholding ethically sound research practices. The members are represented from a diverse range of disciplines, including faculty; Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) from the University, as well as professionals from external institutions, corporate sectors, and other community stakeholders. This multidisciplinary composition ensures a broad perspective on ethical issues in research.

At present, the Committee is chaired by Asst. Prof Ria Valerie Cabanes and functions under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, with the leadership provided by Vice Chancellor Dr. Primo G. Garcia and the support of Dr. Myra D. Oruga, the Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research.

Written by Marian P. Tatlonghari  ♦ Edited by Yasele Yambao and Primo G. Garcia ♦ Contributed by UPOU OVCAA

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✨CRYSTALTRONICS OPENS TOMORROW at 5:30 PM✨Crystaltronics is the collaborative practice of artists Sam Feleo and Roan Alvarez, first developed during their UPOU–FICS Bukas Lab residency (June–August 2025). Their work investigates the emergent morphology of crystals, exploring how artistic design interacts with the unpredictable dynamics of crystal growth.Bringing together Feleo’s process-driven sculptural practice and Alvarez’s interactive technologies, Crystaltronics presents evolving works where natural growth systems and digital feedback loops converge. What you see here is a preview of an ongoing exploration into material agency, ecological interdependence, and the possibilities of co-creation between organic and artificial systems.This exhibit will launch alongside Samantha Feleo's 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴. 🔄🗓️ September 10 - 26, 2025📍 Gallery Two, UP Fine Arts GallerySee you there! ... See MoreSee Less
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