Conducting research with due regard to the rights of research subjects and others is a fundamental consideration for all researchers. The need to support researchers and provide a structured approach to ethical considerations lies at the heart of the Faculty’s policy on research ethics. Professor Tim Bond is the Faculty Research Ethics Officer, and each school/department has a representative on the Faculty Research Ethics Committee. Together with departments’ research support staff, they provide advice and assistance to researchers on ethical issues.
Supporting ethical practice in Social Science and Law research
University research ethics policy and procedures
The Research Ethics Committee offers a resource to researchers in dealing with ethical issues. It offers advice and assistance with an awareness of the different approaches to research present in the Faculty and the ethical consequences of differences in philosophical assumptions that underpin these approaches. The Committee works to:
foster dialogue about research ethics between those involved in or affected by research and ourselves;
accumulate expertise by critically reflecting on experience of research ethics issues within social sciences and law;
promote training in research ethics across the faculty;
ensure that ethical clearance is, where possible, conducted at departmental research ethics committees as they hold the expertise for their field of interest;
provide a formal review mechanism for ESRC funded projects, as required by the ESRC, and any other projects at the request of departments;
develop policy and strategy, consulting within the Faculty on research ethics issues.
Details of the committee membership and meetings can be found in the Faculty Committees pages.
The ethical review policy and procedure within the Faculty has been drawn up under and in line with the University’s general policy. Detail of the terms of reference for the Faculty procedures, including rights of appeal, can be found in the University of Bristol Ethics of Research Policy and Procedure
