The National Centre for Sports Science and Research (NCSSR) has taken a significant step towards institutionalising ethical standards for research involving human participants in sports and allied sciences, holding the first meeting of its Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC) in New Delhi.
The meeting, chaired by Prof. Jugal Kishore, Director Professor and former Head of Community Medicine at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, was held on July 18 at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Head Office at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Members from leading institutes and government bodies attended the session.
The IEC meeting focused on standardising research approval processes, ensuring participant welfare, and maintaining scientific integrity across NCSSR’s projects.
“The establishment of the IEC represents our firm commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics in sports science research,” Vishnu Kant Tiwari, Secretary (SAI), said in a release. “This committee will play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and participant protection in all scientific endeavours under NCSSR.”
During the discussions, the committee reviewed the procedures for research project submission, evaluation and monitoring. Members also addressed legal and ethical considerations specific to studies involving athletes and other human subjects.
Key concerns mentioned included obtaining informed permission, protecting any individual's and organisation's data, and considering the long-term impact of research on athletes’ health and performance.
The IEC’s mandate will ensure that all NCSSR research complies with national and international ethical guidelines.
The committee also reaffirmed that the collective responsibility will always be to nurture a culture of ethical excellence and scientific rigour in sports science.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolution to integrate ethical reflection into every stage of research, from planning and approval to execution and publication.
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