The Health Research Ethics Committee of Faculty of Dentistry-UNHAS Dental Hospital Received International Recognition from SIDCER-FERCAP
Komite Etik Penelitian Kesehatan (KPEK) or the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG)-Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) Dental Hospital has officially received international recognition from the Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asia and the Western Pacific (FERCAP). The certificate was personally received by the Chair of KEPK, Erni Marlina, drg., Ph.D., Sp.PM., Subsp.Inf.Im (K) together with the Secretary, Muhammad Ikbal, drg., Ph.D., Sp.Pros., Subsp.PKIKG (K) during the FERCAP Recognition Ceremony as part of the FERCAP Annual International Conference held from 23 to 26 November 2025 at the Eastin Grand Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.
This recognition affirms that KEPK FKG-Rumah Sakit Gigi dan Mulut (RSGM) or Dental Hospital of UNHAS has met the international standards for ethical review of health research in accordance with the WMA Declaration of Helsinki, the WHO Standards and Operational Guidance for Ethics Review, and International Council for Harmonization (ICH)-Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines. This achievement strengthens the position of FKG-RSGMP UNHAS as an institution committed to scientific research integrity and ethical research practice.
The Chair of KEPK expressed gratitude for the achievement and highlighted the dedication of all Committee members as well as the strong support from Faculty of Dentistry and UNHAS Dental Hospital. In line, the Secretary of KEPK stated that this recognition is a source of motivation to continue improving capacity and Quality by Design through ethics training for researchers, highlighting that the FERCAP recognition is not the end, but the beginning of the greater responsibility.
The Dean of FKG UUNHAS, Irfan Sugianto, drg., M.Med.Ed., Ph.D., Sp.RKG and the Director of RSGMP UNHAS, Dr. Andi Tajrin, drg., M.Kes., Sp.BM.M., Subsp.C.O.M. (K) expressed their appreciation, stating that this recognition enhances institutional reputation and confidence among international research partners as currently, only two dental faculty in Indonesia hold the FERCAP recognition. Moreover, the RSGMP UNHAS became the first teaching hospital with the recognition in Indonesia.
It is hoped that this milestone will pave the way for broader opportunities in ethical international research collaboration and strengthen the responsibility in academic research.