The Ethics Review Committee (ERC) of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, successfully conducted an informative workshop on Thursday, 31st July 2025. The session was organized to support undergraduate and postgraduate students in preparing ethically sound research proposals requiring ERC approval, particularly those involving human or animal subjects (excluding clinical trials).

The workshop was conducted by Prof. Chamari Dissanayake, Chairperson of the ERC, and Dr. Anuradha Ariyaratne, Secretary of the ERC. It commenced with an introduction to research ethics and a discussion on its significance in ensuring responsible and credible scientific inquiry. The facilitators explained the importance of obtaining ERC approval before starting research and provided insights into why ethical clearance is a vital part of the research process.

Participants were given practical, step-by-step guidance on how to complete the ERC application form accurately. The session also covered the essential components of a research proposal, along with instructions for preparing key documents. Each section was discussed in detail, helping participants understand how to meet ethical standards and avoid common errors during the submission process. A dedicated Q&A session at the end allowed students to clarify doubts related to their research proposals, making the session highly interactive and personalized.

This workshop reflects the ERC’s strong commitment to promoting ethical research practices among its academic community. The Faculty of Applied Sciences extends its appreciation to the ERC for organising this session and supporting a strong culture of ethical and responsible research within the faculty.