Research ethics

The Research Ethics Committee (REC) considers ethical issues related to research and research-related activities brought to its attention by the academic schools, researchers, staff and the wider RCSI community.

The aim of the RCSI REC is to ensure the highest standards of conduct in our research and to support staff in pursuing this goal.

The REC also acts in an educational and advisory role regarding ethical aspects of research in order to promote best practice in research conducted throughout the RCSI.

Please note

• All research projects conducted by or through RCSI must have ethical approval by the REC or another legitimate approval mechanisms before they can commence.
• Without approval, the University will consider the responsible staff member to have acted without the use of appropriate safeguarding mechanisms and will not be responsible for ethical difficulties arising from the conduct of the research project in question.
• Most research conducted through the University already meets stringent ethical committee approval standards through mechanisms such as hospital ethics committees. The University's REC does not intend to duplicate the work of these committees and will review only those projects not already covered by such mechanisms.