Research ethics is concerned with safeguarding human participants in research. City is committed to protecting the rights, privacy and welfare of participants, as well as their personal data.
Helping researchers protect participants
Any research that involves human participants or identifiable personal data has ethical implications. Considering those implications – and addressing any issues arising – is a key element of good research practice.
Not only does it protect participants, it also protects researchers and the University. We have a robust framework in place to support researchers through this process. Any research that could have ethical implications must be approved by one of our ethics committees.
Research ethics is a vital element of research integrity, together with the scientific rigour of a project and the conduct of the researchers. In particular it concerns the safeguarding of any participants in the research.
Why is research ethics important?
Any research that involves human participants or identifiable personal data has ethical implications. At City, we affirm that human participants, animals and the environment must be protected from harm. All research must follow that principle, regardless of the discipline or subject matter of the research.
Research ethics at City
City is committed to ensuring that all research is conducted so that it:
- Protects the rights, privacy and welfare of participants and their personal data
- Minimises risk to participants, researchers and the institution.
Even if the research is deemed to be low risk, researchers must consider issues such as data protection, confidentiality and anonymity. Research projects must also comply with an increasing number of professional and legal requirements.
City's Research Ethics Committees oversee all aspects of the ethics of research involving human participants and personal data carried out in the institution or under the auspices of the institution, by its Schools, staff or students.
Research projects must obtain ethical approval before the research commences. City's indemnity will not cover research without approval. Failure to obtain approval may also result in disciplinary procedures being instigated.
There can be no exceptions, exclusions, retrospective approval or blanket permissions in any circumstances.
Download the system user guide.
Contact local Research Ethics Committees for information and advice on the application process for ethics in Departments/Schools.