2. Scope

These guidelines apply to all faculty members, postgraduate residents, undergraduate students, and researchers submitting proposals for research activities conducted under the auspices of Queens Medical College.

3. Submission Process

1. Step 1: Submission to Research Cell

The Principal Investigator (PI) submits the Research Proposal and all required documents to the Research Cell on Irb@qmck.edu.pk in soft & hard copy as well. Required documents include: Proposal Submission Checklist, Full Research Proposal Form, Informed Consent Form(s), Study Questionnaire/Data Collection Tools, Gantt Chart/Timeline, Relevant Study Guidelines (CONSORT, STROBE etc.) and any other supporting material if applicable.

• Abstract should not more than 250-300 words
• Tables should be not more than 05 and figures should not more than 2-3
• Word count of the manuscript should up to 3000 words

Step 2: Preliminary Review by Research Cell

Mr. Muhammad Daniyal (Biostatistician + Coordinator Research Cell) conducts a preliminary review for completeness and compliance. He checks the proposal format, methodology, ethical forms, and submission checklist. If deficiencies are found, the proposal is returned to the PI for corrections. Once complete, it is forwarded to the Technical Scientific Research Committee (TSRC).

2. Step 3: Technical Scientific Research Committee (TSRC) Review

The SRC reviews the proposal for scientific merit. If revisions are required, the proposal is returned to the Research Cell and then to the PI for correction. Upon satisfactory revision, the SRC Chairperson issues an approval letter authorizing submission to the Ethical Review Committee (ERC).

3. Step 4: Ethical Review Committee (ERC) Evaluation

The Research Cell forwards SRC-approved proposals to the ERC for ethical clearance. The ERC reviews the proposal and may either approve it or return it to the PI (via the Research Cell) for revisions. Upon approval, the ERC issues the Final Ethical Approval Letter.

4. Flow Chart of Proposal Review Process

PI → Research Cell (Submission) → Mr. Daniyal (Preliminary Review) → SRC (Scientific Review) → If approved → Approval Letter → Forwarded to ERC → If ERC approves → Final Approval Issued → If issues found → Returned to PI for corrections (via Research Cell)

5. Important Notes

• All correspondence must be routed through the Research Cell.
• Direct submission to the SRC or ERC is not permitted.
• Proposals lacking mandatory documents will not be processed.
• All approvals must bear the official stamp and signature of the SRC or ERC Chairperson.
• Research may commence only after receiving ERC approval.