Short description of RECs system:

In Cyprus there is only one central ethics committee (Cyprus National Bioethics Committee-CNBC) responsible for the bioethical review of all research protocols involving human subjects in Cyprus. CNBC was established by Law providing for the Establishing and Function of the National Bioethics Committee (N. 150 (I) /2001). It consists of thirteen (13) members appointed by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus for a term of office of four (4) years.

In accordance with the Operational Guidelines for the Establishment of Ethics Committees in reviewing Biomedical Research involving Human Subjects and with the authority assigned to CNBC by the Law 150 (I)/2001,CNBC formed three (3) Review Bioethics Committees:

1. The Review Bioethics Committee for Biomedical Research on Human Beings and their biological substances;
2. The Review Bioethics Committee for the Clinical trials on Medicinal Products of Human Use;
3. The Review Bioethics Committee for Biomedical Research on Human Beings and their biological substances and the clinical trials on Medicinal Products of Human Use.

The Review Bioethics Committees review protocols relating to biomedical research on human beings and their biological substances, clinical trials on medicinal products for human use, and, research on medical devices applied on human beings.

Each Review Bioethics Committee consists of nine (9) members appointed by CNBC for a term of office of two (2) years. The Review Bioethics Committees operate under the direct supervision of the CNBC. All clinical trials are authorized to begin only upon approval by the National Bioethics Committee.