Research subject to WMO

Research subject to the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO) must first be reviewed by a recognized Medical Ethics Review Committee (METC).

Research falls under the WMO if it meets the following two conditions:

1. It concerns medical scientific research and
2. persons are subjected to actions or imposed rules of conduct.

More information can be found on this webpage (in Dutch)

Ethics review of research is Subject to the WMO

Research is Subject to the WMO

As a researcher, you should first determine whether your research is subject to the WMO or not. In most cases, this is clear and you can go to the METC directly. At the METC, you have your research proposal assessed for Ethics. This means that your proposal has not yet been assessed for data management and the GDPR. You will still need to do this with the ERB. When you submit an application, you can attach the letter of approval from the METC so that the ERB is informed immediately. The ethics section will disappear once you indicate that the research has already been approved ethically by the METC.

ERB labels research as subject to the WMO

It may happen that you submit research to the ERB, but the ERB reviewer thinks the research is subject to the WMO. In such cases, we ask the entire Board to look at the proposal. The Board discusses whether or not it is subject to the WMO. The rule here is: if in doubt, the proposal should be referred to the METC. As long as one or more Board members are not convinced that it is not subject to the WMO requirement, we ask the researcher to go to the METC.

Doubts about whether a research is subject to the WMO

Of course, it is possible that you are unsure whether your research is subject to the WMO or not. In that case, please contact the RRB. The official secretary and chair will examine the situation and, if necessary, request assistance from the Board, which will then issue a recommendation.

Medical Ethics Review Committee (METC)

The METC conducts the ethics review of research that is subject to the WMO. Following the review, the METC will issue a decision. In addition to an assessment, you can also apply for a non-WMO statement. Such an application is made to ensure that the research is not subject to the WMO requirement. This does not involve a substantive review, but only a statement as to whether the research falls within the scope of the WMO or not.

METC Brabant

Tilburg University has a partnership with METC Brabant. This makes it possible to submit an application free of charge. The METC meets once a month. Make sure you plan enough time for a review at the METC.