Research Ethics

The whole research community at Hope shares the responsibility for promoting and delivering good research. Researchers strive for the highest achievable standards in the planning, conduct and reporting of their research and demonstrate integrity in their dealings with others. Hope, as a signatory to The Concordat to Support Research Integrity, fosters a research culture that supports and embeds good research practice in all its endeavours.

Hope’s research ethics policies, guidelines and procedures clarify the roles and responsibilities of researchers; they make sure that appropriate resources and skills are in place and they aim to prevent research misconduct. Thus, Hope’s culture of research ethics ensures the highest standards of rigour and integrity.

Its core ethical principles stress the need to (a) do good (known as beneficence) and (b) do no harm (known as non-malfeasance). Therefore, Hope requires all researchers, whether staff or students, to ensure that their research is designed and conducted to the highest standards possible. Additionally, they should abide by the research ethics guidelines of their professional bodies, local and national governments. 

Hope’s researchers apply and obtain ethical clearances for all types of research. From text-based research which does not involve any human groups to research with non-vulnerable or vulnerable human groups.

Professor Neil Ferguson       
Chair

Policies

The University Research Ethics Sub-Committee is responsible for oversight of all matters relating to research ethics across the University and for the implementation and updating of the University ethics policy. It’s Chair is a professor and member of Senate.  Its membership includes invited chairpersons of Faculty Research Ethics Committees, an experienced memeber of staff from another UK Higher Education Institution and at least one nominated representative of the postgraduate students, The University Research Ethics Sub-Committee reports to the University Research Committee and remains accountable to the Council Standing Committee on Research Ethics, which meets annually. 

The University Research Ethics Sub-Committee meets at least once a term to receive reports from the Faculty Research Ethics Committees and to consider any specific cases brought forward by the Faculties. It also keeps the ethics policy under review and ensures that systems are in place to provide training and guidance for staff.

Committee membership

Faculty Research Ethics Committees report directly to the University Research Ethics Sub-Committee, which oversees the process. They meet regularly throughout the academic year. The chairpersons and the Faculty Ethics Leads are available to discuss ethical matters with both staff and students.

You can complete the relevant application for ethical clearance form online Here or by logging on to MyHope and accessing the My Research section. In that section, you will find an option entitled "Research Ethics".