The University of Greenwich is committed to encouraging a high-quality research and knowledge and exchange culture, with the highest possible standards of integrity and practice. Our frameworks, policies and governance ensure the protection of research participants and our researchers, and that our research will comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Ethical approval is mandatory for research involving human participants and research involving sensitive subject matters conducted by students and staff at the University. The University's Research Ethics Policy specifies which research requires ethical approval. Where ethical approval is required, research should not commence until approval has been granted by the relevant committee. All individuals conducting research at Greenwich should familiarise themselves with the Research Ethics Policy, the Code of Practice for Research, and the Ethical Research Collaboration Policy. See our Research Integrity webpage for further information about these policies and related policies on research misconduct.
Our research ethics governance includes:
- The University Research Ethics Board (UREB) approves staff research projects and student projects that are considered higher risk involving sensitive subject matters. UREB approves the Research Ethics Policy and oversees the University’s research ethics framework on behalf of the Academic Council.
- Reporting to UREB, each faculty has a Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC) which approves most student projects and reviews staff and higher-risk student applications before they are sent to UREB.
- Some faculties also have School Research Ethics Panels (SREPs), reporting to the FREC, to review student projects.
- The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) has a Code of Practice for Research with People (approved by UREB) in which low-risk staff ethics applications can be approved by NRI’s ethics panel and higher-risk staff applications are referred to UREB. As in other faculties, NRI student applications are overseen by the Faculty of Engineering and Science’s FREC.
For information on how to apply for ethical approval and what our ethical requirements are, please see Guidance on Ethical Approval for Research. Please read the guidance before completing the research ethics application form.
Greenwich is a subscriber to the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO), and we implement the principles and commitments of the UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity.