Ethical review
Information about ethical review and related committees at the University of Plymouth

The University Research Ethics and Integrity Committee (UREIC) has overall responsibility for the development, implementation and monitoring of research ethics and integrity policies, and has representatives from all FREIC committees. Professor Jerry Roberts is Chair of the Committee and is the University’s senior member of staff responsible for ethics and integrity.
For further information contact the UREIC Secretary Dr John Martin or the UREIC Admin Angela Pellowe.
Contact your faculty committee administrator first (listed below) to inform them of your intention to submit an application. The ethical review forms and specific guidance can be found in the Ethics Online System, with additional information linked below (requires University sign-in):
Research with NHS and social care subjects is approved by the Health Research Authority (HRA).
The use of human tissue in research is covered by Human Tissue Act (2004) legislation for the storage and use of human tissue from the living, and the removal, storage and use of tissue from the deceased. The University of Plymouth holds a corporate licence to store human tissue classed as ‘relevant material’ under the Act, for research purposes only (not for human application).
All studies involving human tissue must be University sponsored and have received NHS National Research Ethics Service approval and the relevant Faculty Research Ethics and Integrity Committee notified. On expiry of ethical approval, any remaining samples are booked in and stored under licence.
The University guidelines are available here. (requires University sign-in).
The use of animals at the University is carried out under the strict regulations of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986)/EU Directive 2010/63/EU, operated by the Home Office.
The University holds a Home Office establishment licence and all researchers are required to hold a personal licence in order to carry out any research involving animals. All such work is carried out under a specific project licence held for each individual project. Please, find detailed information about the University Governance Board and Animal Welfare, research guidance and ethical approval process on our Animals in research pages.
Arts, Humanities and Business
Admin: Claire Butcher FoAHBEthics@plymouth.ac.uk
Staff and PhD ethics applications for research in the following schools:
Health
Co-Chairs: Professor Judy Edworthy, Professor Stephen Minton and Professor Sarah Neill
Taught Masters student subcommittee (including Health and Social Work)
Co-Chairs: Dr Lisa Bunn, Dr Tracey Madgett and Dr Mahrukh Mirza
Science and Engineering
Admin: Rebecca Waghorne scienghumanethics@plymouth.ac.uk
Staff and PhD ethics applications for research in the following schools:
Chair: Dr Olivia Wilson