The University of Jendouba's Comprehensive Digital Framework for Research Ethics Management: An Integrated System with Real-Time Verification, Surprise Audits, and Public Access through QR Codes and DOIs

The University of Jendouba is implementing a novel digital framework to transform how Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals are managed, with phased deployment commenced on June 13th, 2025, tackling pressing global issues in research integrity and transparency. Built on international standards like the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice (GCP), this system employs advanced tools such as QR codes and Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) to enable real-time verification and public access to approved protocols. Crucially, the system extends its oversight beyond IRB approvals, monitoring the entire research process to ensure ethical compliance from the initial protocol submission through to the final publication of results. This framework addresses critical challenges, including the falsification of IRB approvals, data manipulation, and undisclosed changes to research protocols. It features automated compliance checks, risk-based evaluations of protocols, and real-time tracking of research activities to ensure studies adhere to their approved plans. Additionally, surprise audits and continuous oversight mechanisms are in place to detect and prevent unethical practices at every stage of the research process. As the first system of its kind in North Africa, this platform aligns with both local and international research ethics guidelines, fostering collaboration and standardization across disciplines. It also integrates blockchain technology and connects with global ethics databases to enhance transparency and trust in research outcomes.