UL Research Ethics & Research Integrity Dr. Niamh Lenahan October 2018

What is Research Ethics? Research Ethics is defined as the ethics used in the planning, conducting and reporting of research. It should provide protection for the subjects of research, i.e., humans and animals.

Who requires ethics approval? All students who are engaged in research which involves any of the following will require ethics approval Human participants Interviews, surveys or questionnaires administered to individuals Use of data derived from individual records where individuals might be identified Animal experimentation (UL Animal ethics, 3R’s, reduction, refinement & replacement) Other areas include (e.g. high level biohazard, military technology research, nuclear reactions) Exceptions: Research on patients (i.e. people who are receiving treatment as a result of an illness) should be referred to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Research Ethics Committee. For further information, please see www.ul.ie/researchethics

Research Ethics and Governance structure https://ulsites. ul

UL Ethics Structure All research ethics applications are considered at Faculty level by Research Ethics Committees (RECs). All appeals from Faculty Research Ethics Committee (REC)decisions are referred to ULREG, the University's Research Ethics and Governance structure. ULREG (University of Limerick Research Ethics Governance committee) is primarily concerned with research related policies, procedures and governance

How to apply Research Ethics application forms, submission dates and ethical approval guidelines are available within each Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Research Ethics website Faculty of Education & Health Sciences Research Ethics website Kemmy Business School Research Ethics website Faculty of Science & Engineering Research Ethics website Animal Research Ethics Committee Code of Practice Animal Research Ethics Application Form

Timeline Submit applications 2 months before planned start date of this aspect of your research Check your Faculty for Ethics meeting dates (once a month) Many applications require minor revisions, build this into your project timeline There is a typically 2-week turn-around time for minor amendments You should carry out your research within 12 months of date approval otherwise you must resubmit another application

Route of FAHSS Ethics application

Considerations within your application Anticipate ethical dilemmas likely to be encountered in the research and indicate how they will be surmounted The application form must be discussed and reviewed with your supervisor(s) Include an information letter for your informants and a consent form If participants are under 18, consult UL’s child protection policy, Garda Clearance form Include posters/email you may use for recruiting participants Interview/surveys/questionnaires must be included if required Safety issues likely to be encountered in the course of fieldwork Project's data storage needs.

Consent form Title of study Space for student and participant to sign Space for name(s), date and location of the interview Optional; offer transcript/recording of the interview Inform the participants they may edit/amend the interview afterwards They may withdraw their interview (up to the submission of the thesis) Ask if anonymity is required Inform them of possible outcomes of the study, i.e. publications Contact details of student and supervisor (name & UL address) Include – “This research study has received Ethics approval from (Faculty) ….”

Reasons for Provisionally approved Application form not completed correctly Insufficient information when describing what the participants will be required to do for the study Required signatures not present Paper or electronic copy not submitted Required information not submitted – information letter/consent form/Garda clearance form Electronic and hardcopy does not contain the same information Section 7, storage information insufficient.

Declined application Right to appeal In writing to the Chair of ULREG Decision of ULREG is final

UL Research & Integrity The University is committed to ensuring that all research carried out under its auspices meets the highest standards of integrity. UL’s Research & Integrity policies applies to all employees and students of the University who are officially engaged in research work at the University and/or undertaking any research activity in the University’s name. Where students are undertaking research on behalf of the University of Limerick, your supervisor has the responsibility of ensuring you undertake the appropriate training in research integrity. Website: ul.ie/research/content/researchintegrity