The Community Ethics Advisory Board (CEAB) serves as a vital ethical gateway and collaborative bridge for all research initiatives conducted within Eastern Burma and along the Thai-Burma border. Given the complex socio-political landscape and the vulnerability of the populations in these regions, the CEAB ensures that any scientific inquiry adheres to the highest standards of human rights, cultural sensitivity, and community-led oversight.
Our Core Mission and Objectives
The primary mandate of the CEAB is to move beyond standard institutional review and ensure that research is locally grounded. Our work focuses on three pillars:
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Participant Protection: Safeguarding the rights, dignity, and safety of individuals participating in research, particularly those in conflict-affected or displaced settings.
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Community Advocacy: Ensuring that research is not “extractive” but instead addresses the actual needs and priorities of the local population.
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Ethical Guidance: Providing ongoing consultation to researchers to navigate the unique logistical and moral challenges of the Thai-Burma border context.
Partner Organizations
The CEAB is a collaborative body representing the major health and social service providers in the region. To maintain consistency in ethical standards, all research involving these organizations must undergo CEAB review:
| Organization | Focus Area |
| Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) | Comprehensive health services for displaced persons and migrant workers. |
| Backpack Health Worker Team (BPHWT) | Primary healthcare delivery in conflict zones and remote areas. |
| Karen Dept. of Health and Welfare (KDHW) | Public health administration and policy for the Karen people. |
| Burma Medical Association (BMA) | Professional oversight and health coordination for ethnic health providers. |
| Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) | Specialized maternal health and infectious disease research. |
Application and Submission Process
If you intend to partner with any of the organizations listed above or conduct studies within their catchment areas, you are required to secure formal CEAB approval before data collection begins.
Account Registration: Click the registration link below to create a secure profile in our submission portal.
Document Access: Once logged in, you can download the necessary templates, including the Standard Application Form, Informed Consent Guidelines, and Community Impact Assessment.
Submission: Upload your completed proposal and supporting documents directly through the portal.
Review Timeline: The Board convenes monthly to review new applications. To ensure your project stays on schedule, please submit your materials at least two weeks prior to the first of the month. Note: The CEAB prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear benefits to the local community and include plans for sharing results with the participants in a language and format they can understand.