Ethical review
Information about ethical review and related committees at the University of Plymouth
Applying for ethical approval
There are different pathways to approval depending on your area of research.The Faculty Research Ethics and Integrity Committees (FREICs), their applications forms and guidance will help you to understand what to include in your application and what issues need to be addressed. Please, find below the relevant section for your research.
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.
Research with human participants
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 Intranet Community, with additional information linked below (requires University sign-in):
Research with NHS and social care subjects
Research with NHS and social care subjects is approved by the Health Research Authority (HRA).
- Apply through: The Integrated Research Application System (IRAS).
- For sign off of submissions to HRA please contact Sponsor Representative for HRA/IRAS Applications at plymouth.sponsor@plymouth.ac.uk.
- To obtain information about Research Passports/Letters of Access see NIHR: Research Passports.
- Be aware that the outcome of all HRA Approvals must be reported to the relevant University Faculty Ethics and Integrity Committee (listed below).
Research involving human tissue
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).
Research with non-human live organisms
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.
Faculty Research Ethics and Integrity Committees (FREICs)
Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences
- Admin: Maurice Bottomley hhsethics@plymouth.ac.uk +44 1752 586992
- Staff and PhD ethics applications for research in the Schools of Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery, Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry– 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
- Admin: Judith Rudiger FoAH Social Science Research
- Including Plymouth Business School (including Tourism and Hospitality), School of Law, Criminology and Government.
- Chair: Dr Derek Shepherd.
Arts and humanities
- Admin: Claire Butcher artsresearchethics@plymouth.ac.uk.
- Arts and humanities research ethics and integrity Sub-committee (ArtREISC) covering the schools of (1) humanities and performing arts and (2) art, design and architecture. Chair: Dr Katharine Willis.
- Education Research Ethics and Integrity Sub-committee (EdREISC). Chair Professor Jocey Quinn.
- Admin: Rebecca Waghorne scienghumanethics@plymouth.ac.uk
- Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Biological and Marine Sciences, Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Chair: Dr Olivia Wilson
- More information for faculty staff and students.