Research Ethics Committee (REC)

REC is responsible on behalf of Senate to promote best ethical practice in relation to research and research-related activities and for establishing, promoting, implementing and monitoring university-wide  Research Ethics Code of Practice  (which informs local practices and procedures across the University). REC considers ethical issues related to research and research-related activities brought to its attention by the Research Ethics Panels, researchers and the wider university community. REC does not review individual research ethics checklists.

REC comprises both staff, PGR Representative and independent lay members and meets 3 times a year.

Research Ethics Panels (REPs)

The central REPs are responsible on behalf of the Research Ethics Committee (REC) to review research ethics submissions from postgraduate researchers (high risk) and staff, to identify and come to an Opinion on issues that may arise within projects or protocols.  Ethics review considers how the widely accepted ethical principles of Autonomy (free will to take part in the research), Beneficence (research should be worthwhile and provide value that outweighs any risk or harm), Non-maleficence (not be harmed by participating in research) and Justice (equal treatment) are applied within the proposed work.

Panels comprise both staff and independent lay members.  (Low risk applications submitted by staff are allocated for light touch reviews outside physical panel meetings and are conducted via email).  For further information on what constitutes high risk – click here.

The deadline for ethics checklists submitted online is noted against each meeting date - see list of dates under useful documents.  Please ensure your paperwork is submitted on time as submissions are sent to Panel members 5 working days ahead of each Panel meeting for review.  Late submissions will be deferred to the following month.  PGRs - please note that submissions are sent to your Supervisor in the first instance, so please allow sufficient time before the Panel's closing date for applications for your Supervisor to review and forward onto the appropriate panel.

PANEL MEETINGS ARE NOT HELD IN AUGUST 

Panel Dates for Social Sciences & Humanities Research Ethics Panel 2025:

Panel Meeting Date              Deadline for submitting your ethics checklist and supporting documents
22 January 2025      14 January 2025
12 February 2025 4 February 2025
12 March 2025 4 March 2025
16 April 2025 8 April 2025
14 May 2025 6 May 2025
11 June 2025 3 June 2025
16 July 2025 8 July 2025

Panel Dates for the Science, Technology & Health Research Ethics Panel 2025:

Panel Meeting Date            Deadline for submitting your ethics checklist and supporting documents
29 January 2025 21 January 2025
26 February 2025 18 February 2025
26 March 2025 18 March 2025
30 April 2025 22 April 2025
28 May 2025 20 May 2025
25 June 2025 17 June 2025
23 July 2025 15 July 2025