The CNU Ethics Review Committee (ERC) is dedicated to assisting student and faculty researchers in ensuring the ethical integrity of their research protocols. By adhering to its ethical guidelines, the ERC ensures that research conducted under its purview is ethically sound, respects the rights and dignity of participants, and maintains the highest standards of academic integrity. To uphold high ethical standards, the ERC requires all submitted research protocols to include provisions addressing the following ethical considerations:

1. Voluntary Participation:
   Participants should not be coerced through bribery, pressure, or blackmail into participating in research. Every participant must have the autonomy to choose to be involved in the study and must retain the right to withdraw at any time without any repercussions.
2. Anonymity and Confidentiality:
   Anonymity involves ensuring that participants remain unidentifiable and untraceable, while confidentiality pertains to the non-disclosure of collected data to unauthorized individuals or entities. Research protocols must clearly outline the methods for collecting, storing, processing, and disposing of data to safeguard participants’ identities and privacy.
3. Conflict of Interest:
   A conflict of interest arises when personal interests could compromise an individual’s judgment or decision-making during the research process. Researchers must explicitly declare any potential conflicts of interest to maintain transparency and integrity in their work.
4. Informed Consent or Assent:
   Participants of legal age (18 years and older) must provide informed consent, whereas minor participants (under 18 years) must provide assent, accompanied by a child information sheet and a consent form from their parents or legal guardians. The informed consent form should include a brief description of the study, its objectives, the extent of participant involvement, potential risks and benefits, and contact information for the primary investigator.
5. Risks:
   Researchers must outline the potential harms that participants may face if they choose to participate in the study. These risks can be physical, social, psychological, or legal. Identifying potential risks allows researchers to minimize their impact and to develop solutions and support mechanisms should these risks materialize.
6. Benefits:
   Participants may incur personal expenses or face inconveniences during data collection. Therefore, they should be justly compensated when applicable. For instance, traveling to and from an interview location may require reimbursement for transportation and food expenses. Additionally, if the data collection impedes on the productive economic hours of the participants, the researchers must give compensation to the participants equivalent to the number of hours they have allotted for the study.