Research Integrity and Ethics Committee

Composition
A Chair drawn from senior academic staff within the University and appointed by the Vice-Chancellor
A representative of Council
An external member with relevant expertise
A Postgraduate Research student
Vice-Provost (Research and External Engagement)
Head of the Research Office and Graduate School
Head of Legal Services
Departmental Ethics Representatives (one from each of the nine academic departments)
Secretary (nominated by the Research Office)

Attending as required:

HR representative

Data Protection Officer

Health and Safety representative

Terms of Reference

The role of the Committee is:

The Research Integrity and Ethics Committee is the University’s senior body with oversight for all matters relating to research ethics and integrity. A Committee of Senate, it oversees the Ethics approval process, deals with relevant strategic and policy matters, and is responsible for compliance and implementation.

The Research Integrity and Ethics Committee shall:

  1. Ensure research and knowledge exchange activity at the University is conducted in accordance with the highest standards of research integrity and ethics in line with sector best practice and legislative requirements
  2. Ensure the development, review, maintenance and implementation of the policies and guidance necessary to maintain those standards of research integrity and ethics
  3. Consider and respond to external developments, including legislation, regulations, professional body guidance, funder regulations, and sector standards, and make recommendations as appropriate
  4. Oversee, and report on, the Ethics approval process, including scrutiny and approval or otherwise of high-risk Ethics applications
  5. Oversee, via annual reports from Departments, the Ethics approval process in relation to undergraduate and taught postgraduate degrees
  6. Report to Senate annually on the Committee’s activities

The Research Integrity and Ethics Committee meets twice a semester.

Updated: January 2021