SAGER-REC working group
The SAGER-REC Working Group – Advancing Ethical Research Through Gender-Responsive Guidelines
Building on the success of the SAGER (Sex and Gender Equity in Research) guidelines, GENDRO has launched a dedicated Working Group to adapt these globally recognised principles for use by Research Ethics Committees (RECs). While SAGER has been widely adopted by publishers and funders, the ethical review process remains a critical yet underutilised entry point for integrating sex and gender, and intersectional considerations into research. The SAGER-REC Working Group brings together experts and stakeholders from around the world to develop tailored guidance that supports RECs in recognising and addressing the ethical implications of overlooking sex and gender in research, and supporting researchers in considering these dimensions in the research design, development of protocol prior to submission to RECs. This initiative follows a pivotal meeting co-convened by GENDRO and CIOMS, which underscored the need for such guidance and the potential impact on ethical standards across disciplines.The Working Group will collaborate closely with diverse partners to ensure the guidelines are relevant, practical, and responsive to the varied contexts in which RECs operate.
Background and Rationale
The Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines were developed in 2016 by the Gender Policy Committee, established and co-chaired by Shirin Heidari under the auspices of the European Association of Science Editors. Since then, they have been widely recognised and adopted—cited extensively, accessed over a million times, and recently endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Their implementation by academic publishers, research organisations, and funders such as the NIH, European Union, and CIHR has helped improve the integration of sex and gender considerations in research design and reporting.
However, the role of Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in this space remains largely underexplored. As key gatekeepers of ethical research, RECs have a crucial role to play in addressing the risks of overlooking sex and gender analysis, including in clinical trials, where such gaps can have harmful consequences.
Our Objectives
- Adapt the SAGER guidelines into practical tools and processes that Research Ethics Committees (RECs) can apply effectively.
- Evaluate and curate existing resources that help embed sex and gender considerations into ethics review processes.
- Strengthen awareness and foster support among RECs for adopting SAGER-REC principles.
- Promote gender equity, balance, and inclusivity as core values within REC practices and decision-making.
What We Do
The Working Group focuses on:
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Drafting the SAGER-RECs, tailored specifically for Research Ethics Committee (REC) processes.
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Identifying challenges and barriers that RECs may face in adopting these guidelines.
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Collecting and analysing feedback from stakeholders to assess the applicability and usefulness of the SAGER-RECs.
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Publishing and disseminating the final SAGER-REC guidelines widely.
Who We Are
The Working Group comprises 10 to 12 members, ensuring effective participation and coordination. Members are selected based on their expertise, sector representation, and geographical diversity, with a strong commitment to gender balance and inclusivity.
The group brings together professionals with backgrounds in research ethics, gender studies, and research governance, representing academia, public institutions, and the private sector.