Research Standards & Ethics

Strengthening Quality, Integrity and Responsible Research in Thailand

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) promotes research standards and ethics to support the quality, integrity, safety and credibility of research in Thailand.

NRCT develops and promotes standards, guidelines and practices covering important aspects of research ethics and responsible research. These efforts support researchers and research organizations in conducting research with appropriate consideration for ethics, safety, integrity and responsibility.

⚖️ Developing Research Standards and Ethics

NRCT promotes research standards and ethical practices across key areas of research, including:

👤 Human Research

Promoting ethical standards for research involving human participants, with consideration for their rights, dignity, safety and well-being.

🐾 Animal Research

Promoting appropriate standards and ethical practices for the use of animals in scientific research.

🧪 Laboratory Safety

Promoting laboratory safety and appropriate practices for managing risks associated with research activities.

🧬 Biosafety

Supporting appropriate biosafety practices for research involving biological materials and potential biological risks.

🔬 Research Integrity

Promoting integrity and responsible conduct in research, including awareness and prevention of research misconduct.

📚 Research and Academic Publication

Promoting responsible practices in research and academic publication to support the credibility and integrity of research outputs.

👩‍🔬 Researcher Ethics

Promoting ethical principles and responsible conduct among researchers as part of a strong research culture.

🛡️ Integrating Standards into Research Management

NRCT supports the integration of research standards and ethics into the research management process.

Through the National Research and Innovation Information System (NRIIS), relevant information and requirements concerning research standards and ethics can be incorporated into research funding and management processes.

This helps connect research standards with the way research is proposed, managed and conducted.

👥 Protecting Research Participants

Research involving human participants requires appropriate consideration of research ethics and participant protection.

NRCT promotes standards and practices that support the protection of participants’ rights, dignity, safety and well-being throughout the research process.

🐘 Responsible Use of Animals in Research

NRCT promotes responsible and ethical practices concerning the use of animals for scientific purposes.

The work includes the development of standards and criteria for the use of wildlife in scientific research, supporting appropriate practices and consideration of animal welfare and research ethics.

🧫 Laboratory Safety and Biosafety

NRCT promotes laboratory safety and biosafety as important components of responsible research.

These areas support researchers and research organizations in identifying and managing risks associated with laboratory activities, chemicals, biological materials and other potential hazards.

🤝 Building a Research Ethics Network

NRCT works with research institutions and related organizations to strengthen cooperation in research ethics.

The Research Ethics Network provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among organizations involved in research ethics.

The network also works with NRCT to develop practical guidance for researchers, including Guidelines for the Ethical Application of Generative AI for Researchers, supporting responsible use of generative AI while maintaining academic integrity and research ethics.

🏅 From Standards to Responsible Research

Through research standards, ethical guidelines, networks and research management processes, NRCT supports a research environment that values quality, integrity, safety and responsibility.

These efforts contribute to strengthening confidence in Thailand’s research system and promoting research that is conducted responsibly and with appropriate ethical standards.

1. Research Ethics Network: Building Collective Strength to Raise Thailand's Research Standards

    The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) continues to elevate Thailand’s research standards by recognising the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, for achieving “Excellent” accreditation from the National Laboratory Animal Center Accreditation Committee (TACUC). This accomplishment reflects the Faculty’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and quality in the care and use of laboratory animals, in line with internationally recognised best practices, and strengthens Thailand’s pursuit of excellence in laboratory animal ethics on the global stage.

Key Highlights

    The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), through the Institute for the Development and Promotion of Animals for Scientific Purposes (IDAS), reaffirmed the strategic commitment of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, to advancing the accreditation standards of its Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The Faculty successfully elevated its accreditation from “Very Good” to “Excellent”, the highest level of national accreditation for institutional animal care and use committees in Thailand.

    This achievement reflects the effective adoption of best practices and proven models established by the Laboratory Animal Center, Chulalongkorn University, which attained “Excellent” IACUC accreditation in early 2026. Since then, the Centre has provided a strong institutional foundation for excellence in research ethics and the ethical care and use of laboratory animals, serving as a model for other units within the University.

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3.Raising Biosafety Standards for National Research

 

National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), through its Division of Research Standards and Institute of Animals for Scientific Purposes Development, recognizes the importance of developing modern life sciences and biotechnology research. This research plays a crucial role in national development and continuous progress in fields such as medicine and public health, agriculture, food industry, and the environment. A robust biosafety oversight system is essential to ensure high-quality, safe research that adheres to ethical principles, laws, and relevant standards. Therefore, strengthening the biosafety oversight system is a strategic priority for developing the country's research system, building confidence in the quality and reliability of research processes, and supporting the development of the competitiveness of Thai research.

 

NRCT prioritizes promoting and upgrading biosafety standards by supporting the development of institutional-level oversight systems and mechanisms. This is achieved through the establishment or enhancement of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs), which play a vital role in linking and disseminating biosafety policies, guidelines, and standards from the national to the institutional level. The IBC's role extends beyond reviewing biosafety-related research projects; it also involves oversight, risk assessment, and auditing. The certification of biosafety operations to meet established criteria and standards is crucial. However, the implementation of policy principles at the institutional level faces limitations due to a lack of clear guidelines and inconsistencies with the

 

actual operational context of IBCs and biosafety practitioners across institutions. Differences in assessment approaches also contribute to delays in raising national biosafety standards. In recent years, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has supported and driven biosafety standards through: 1) developing biosafety guidelines, manuals, and criteria; 2) developing curricula and organizing biosafety and biosecurity training activities; 3) supporting the establishment of IBCs; and 4) fostering collaborative networks among relevant agencies. In 2026, NRCT supported the creation and dissemination of a biosafety assessment manual for institutional IBCs in pocket book and e-book formats. This aims to provide a standardized assessment tool across agencies and enhance the efficiency of biosafety assessment processes in research institutions.

 

The biosafety assessment manual for IBCs is a key mechanism for driving and supporting the development of the competencies of IBCs, researchers, and related personnel to a consistent standard. It is expected to be published and available for use in early 2027.

 

 

4. Peer Evaluation for Chemical Laboratories Safety Assessment and Certification: Elevating the Standards of Thai Research Laboratories toward Safety and Reliability

Laboratory work inherently involves risks, and accidents may occur if appropriate safety measures are not implemented. Therefore, ensuring that laboratories operate in accordance with safety standards to protect personnel, surrounding communities, and the environment is essential. National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has played a leading role in promoting the development of chemical laboratory safety management standards to promote systematic safety management, while fostering a strong laboratory safety culture.

NRCT has developed laboratory safety guidelines and the ESPReL (Enhancement of Safety Practice of Research Laboratory) Checklist, a laboratory safety assessment tool consisting of 162 checklist items covering seven key elements: (1) safety management system, (2) chemical management, (3) waste management, (4) physical characteristics of laboratory, equipment and tools, (5) hazard prevention and correction system, (6) basic knowledge about laboratory safety, and (7) record management and documentation. The checklist serves as a practical guideline for laboratory personnel to implement good safety practices and conduct self-assessments.

Furthermore, the guidelines were promoted and developed into a national standard, namely the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS 2677–2015): Safety Management System for Chemical Laboratories. This standard was subsequently revised to the Thai Conformity Assessment Standard (TCAS 11–2026): Safety Management System for Chemical Laboratories. The national standard provides a comprehensive framework that enables laboratories to systematically establish, implement, and continually improve their laboratory safety management systems through assessment and certification in accordance with the national standard.

In addition, to encourage laboratories to adopt a systematic approach to safety management, NRCT established a laboratory safety assessment and certification system based on the Peer Evaluation approach. The system employs 137 essential items from the 162-item ESPReL Checklist as the primary tool for evaluating laboratory safety conditions, combined with on-site assessments conducted by qualified experts. This assessment approach is designed not only to determine whether a laboratory meets the certification requirements, but also to promote mutual learning, the exchange of experiences, and the dissemination of best practices among laboratories. As such, it serves as an important mechanism for encouraging laboratories to initiate, strengthen, and continuously improve their laboratory safety management systems, ultimately contributing to the sustainable enhancement of laboratory safety standards at the national level.

Since the implementation of the Peer Evaluation program (2020–present), a total of 672 laboratories have undergone safety assessments, with 625 laboratories successfully achieving certification. The combination of self-assessment and expert evaluation has facilitated the continuous development of laboratory safety practices and fostered a strong culture of safety. This has led to initiatives such as the implementation of internal laboratory safety assessments and the development of certified laboratories as role models for others within their organizations. These efforts have contributed to reducing the risks of laboratory accidents and long-term occupational health hazards. Furthermore, systematic management of chemicals and hazardous waste has helped minimize environmental contamination, reduce risks to surrounding communities and ecosystems, and promote the efficient use of resources. These achievements are well aligned with the principles of sustainable development and the long-term protection of the environment.