Research Ethics Framework

The University expects its employees, or any other person conducting research on University premises, to follow the University’s normal expectations of good practice in research. This includes taking all reasonable steps to ensure the ethical conduct of research involving human participants and/or personal data.

Ethics Policy and Procedures

• The University Ethics Policy: sets out high-level expectations and provides guidance for ethical decision making regarding research involving human participants and/or personal data.
• The University Research Ethics Committee (UREC): oversees the research ethics framework at the University. It considers policies, procedures and guidance regarding ethical issues arising from research that involves human participants and personal data.
• The Research Ethics Review Appeals Procedure: explains the process for making an appeal against decisions made by a University REC. It also lists the reasons for making an appeal.

Seeking independent ethical review from a University REC

• Before starting research involving human participants and/or personal data as the subject of your research, you should think about ethical risks of your work.
• If more than minimal ethical risk exists, you should normally seek independent ethical review from the relevant School-level and department/faculty-level REC

Guidance and Resources

• This webpage provides high-level guidance, advice and resources about ethical review and compiles external guidance and resources from funders and professional associations.
• Visit the website (or email the contact person) of the relevant REC to seek further guidance on the ethical review application process.

Animal Research

Visit the Animals in Research and University Biomedical Services websites for policies and information about the ethical review of research involving animals.