Overview

The Environment and Bio-Safety Research Ethics Committee (EBREC) is primarily concerned with the review of applications related to studies that may pose a risk to the environment as a result of, for example, the modification or introduction of non-indigenous organisms, collection of samples, or the improper disposal of waste materials or chemicals. EBREC is also primarily concerned with the safety of all researchers whose studies imply coming into contact with bio-hazardous or hazardous materials. It should be noted that EBREC's decisions do not supersede any relevant statutory obligations with regard to environmental care (e.g., Genetically Modified Organisms Act No. 15 of 1997). Therefore, the researcher may have to obtain permission(s) from the necessary authorities (DEA, Nature Conservation, etc.) before ethical approval can be granted. 

Bio-hazardous materials include (but are not limited to)

• Recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules
  
• Other agents and toxins
• Bloodborne and other pathogens
• Xenotransplants
• Stem cells
• Dual use, i.e., applications that could be misused in the wrong hands to pose a deliberate threat to society at large
• Nanotechnology with direct human or animal application
• Gene therapy
• Genetically modified organisms

Deadlines for 2026: Ethics committees

Please note that the deadlines are the dates by which the applications must be with the ethics office. Therefore, applications submitted to a supervisor must be accepted by the supervisor by the deadline.

EBREC meeting dates for 2026