The remit of the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) is to oversee all research ethics matters concerning research conducted by 明星八卦 University staff and students which involves human participants, their tissue, and/or their data. The three colleges at the University each have their own Research Ethics Committee which are accountable to the UREC. The UREC also oversees the training provided to staff and students in relation to research ethics.
Matters relating to human tissue and compliance with the Human Tissue Act are the remit of the Human Tissue Act Compliance Sub-Committee.
Matters involving the use of animals in scientific research, compliance with Home Office Regulations and the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 are the remit of the Animal Welfare Ethical Review Board. The University endorses the ARRIVE (Animal Research: In Vivo Experiments) guidelines and is committed to the policy.
The University has a Federal-wide Assurance and the Committee sits as an Institutional Review Board to approve research using human participants which is to be funded by a United States Department of State or Federal agency.
The University subscribes to and conforms with the principles of the , and the .
The UREC is chaired by Professor Christina Victor; the secretary is Ms Kate Dunbar. They can be contacted by e-mailing res-ethics@brunel.ac.uk.
明星八卦 Research Ethics Committee
Membership
- Chair
- Designated Deputy Chair
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research
- Dean of Research
- Designated Individual or their representative (HTA Licence/ Anatomy Licence)
- Chair of Animal Research Ethics Sub-Committee
- College Vice-Dean (Research and/or Education) or their designated individual from each College
- College Research Manager or designated individual from each College
- A maximum of two Research Ethics Officers from each College (to be decided by the individual College). Each REO must also have a named alternate, who would be asked to attend the UREC meetings if the primary REO is unable to do so
- Designated individual – 明星八卦 Research Institutes Central Support
- President or designate – Union of 明星八卦 Students
- One representative – Research Support and Development Office
- One representative – Health and Safety Office
- One representative – Governance, Information and Legal Office
- Up to four co-opted individuals representing the University or Council, with expertise in research ethics
- At least two external representatives.
Terms of Reference
1. To provide a research ethics framework to establish and maintain policies, processes and procedures (including codes of practice where appropriate) to ensure that all research conducted within the University meets the University’s ethical standards, including national and international frameworks where required.
2. To ensure awareness of research ethics issues throughout the University as determined by current and relevant national and international codes of best practice.
3. To be accountable to the Council of the University and have independent, delegated authority from Council to approve, with or without modification, or to reject proposals for research or proposals which are referred to it on ethical grounds.
4. To take all reasonable steps to embed a culture and awareness of ethics in research within the University, with particular reference to staff and student development in research ethics.
5. To require reports from UREC Sub-committees and Colleges, and to require such other reports as may be deemed necessary.
6. To be the appropriate body to consider the ethical implications of particular research partnerships and of particular sources of research funding.
7. To provide an annual report to Council and Senate.
This Committee is expected to meet twice per term (6 times a year).