Research Ethics and Integrity
Welcome
All research we undertake has an ethical dimension and all researchers should reflect on the implications of their work – issues relating to human and animal welfare and dignity, but also the social and cultural impact of their research. Adequate provision around research ethics is a marker of the respect Trinity has for those who take part in research. It ensures no unreasonable, unsafe or thoughtless demands are made by researchers; it ensures sufficient knowledge is shared by all concerned; it assures that any personal data collected for purposes of research will be protected, and it imposes a common standard in all the above respects across the University. Research involving human subjects is subject to ethical review and cannot proceed until approval has been granted from the appropriate Research Ethics Committee. The primary responsibilities of Trinity’s 23 Research Ethics Committees (RECs) are to ensure respect for the dignity of participants, to minimize any potential harm and to protect the confidential nature of data generated. Clinical Research Trials require sponsorship oversight and must gain approval before commencing.
- Getting Ethics Approval for your research Find out more about gaining ethics approval for your research here including how to access the Research Ethics Application Management System (REAMS)
- Clinical Trials Sponsorship Clinical trials are highly regulated and require sponsorship and oversight by Trinity. Find more information on sponsorship here.
- Epigeum Research Integrity Training Trinity has access to the Epigeum suite of research integrity training modules. Many external funding agencies require completion of this training as part of their grant requirements. The training is strongly encouraged for all staff and students who conduct research. Click here for more information about the training and how to sign up
- Data Protection and Research Researchers are obliged to assess and manage the data protection risks of their projects. The Data Protection Office has a range of resources here. In particular, you should familiarise yourself with the Data Protection Policy and accompanying Handbook.
- GDPR The Data Protection Office provides information about the EU General Data Protection Regulation here. Completion of GDPR training is mandatory for staff who process personal data in the course of their duties, and this includes staff who undertake or supervise research using the personal data of participants.