Ethical approval

Academic research across ALL disciplines can raise serious ethical issues, and for any project the safety and protection of those involved is paramount. Cardiff University requires that research involving human subjects, material or data is subject to formal ethical review and approval before any work is undertaken. This applies to all staff and students.

The University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) has an overarching responsibility to raise awareness of ethical issues and monitor the ongoing development of School policy and procedure.  This ensures all Schools have in place appropriate procedures for considering and approving the conduct of relevant research. Whilst most Ethics’ cases will be considered at a School level, UREC will provide guidance in cases of uncertainty.

Before you can start any research project involving human subjects, material or data you must obtain approval from the School Research Ethics Committee. You must familiarise yourself and comply with current legal requirements for storage of and access to data about research participants. You must also consider how you will keep personal data.

Before proceeding with any research please consult our Research Ethics Policy.

Working with children and vulnerable adults

You must satisfy yourself and justify to the SREC that there is a real need to involve children/potentially vulnerable adults in the proposed research project. You must also ensure that you have familiarised yourself with the relevant legal position when you intend to conduct research of this nature. Full guidance notes are available.

Payment to research participants

No participants are recruited outside of the University and no-one is paid for participating in any research in the School.

Working with people

We do engage in research that involves interviews and questionnaires, however you must obtain written and informed consent from all participants in advance. Such projects must have the relevant ethical approval.