Research ethics for students
What is Research Ethics?
Research Ethics is the process taken while planning your research, to ensure that your research complies with relevant regulatory and ethical standards. It is considered good research practice to make sure your research is conducted in an ethical and professional manner. Guidance on Good Research Practice can be found here.
What do I need to consider when planning research activity?
The four key ethical rules to consider
- Veracity: Truthfulness or absence of deception
- Privacy: Freedom from unwarranted public intrusion
- Confidentiality: Non-disclosure
- Fidelity: Accuracy in recording and reporting data
Does my Project need Ethical Review?
Yes. All research conducted while you are Brunel University should be first reviewed and approved by your supervisor.
What is the process for gaining ethical review?
You should meet with your supervisor to discuss your plans for research and complete the checklist here. If it is determined that your research will involve NHS staff, patients or facilities, using human tissue, or involving adults unable to consent for themselves, and children, you may need to apply for permission using the IRAS online system and have your proposal reviewed by your school’s Research Ethics Committee (REC). You can ask your research administrator/programme manager for contacting your School Research Ethics Officer, as well as information and forms particular to your school or department. Your application for research ethics approval is reviewed and approved by your school’s research ethics committee, governed by the University Research Ethics committee (UREC).
What are IRAS applications?
IRAS stands for Integrated Research Application System. The online system allows you to apply for permissions and approvals for health and social care / community care research in the UK, to multiple review bodies by collecting all your details in one application, and filtering it for the relevant review. You can access the online application system here.
Do I need ethical approval if my topic is not in health or human science?
All students are expected to discuss ethical and legal concerns of their research with a supervisor and complete the checklist.
What happens if I don’t have the appropriate approval for my research?
If you do not follow the appropriate steps for securing ethical approval or bend the rules to conduct your research, this is considered misconduct and could lead to disciplinary action at Brunel University.
For more information on the process and ethics standards at Brunel, you can ask your supervisor, visit the Research Ethics intranet page, or attend training offered through the Graduate School.
