Research Ethics in the Welsh School of Pharmacy
ETHICAL APPROVAL OF RESEARCH WITH HUMAN PARTICIPANTS, HUMAN MATERIAL OR HUMAN DATA IN THE WELSH SCHOOL OF PHARMACY (WSP), CARDIFF UNIVERSITY.
A Word document version of the official document on which this web-site is based, is available here
Scope of the Guidance
Who does it apply to?
This guidance applies to all staff and students in the Welsh School of Pharmacy undertaking research in their capacity as members of Cardiff University.
In the case of students, it covers research undertaken by a student currently registered for a degree within the School as a recognised part of his or her degree programme. However, it does not cover work carried out as part of the teaching of the programme, for example, students conducting established experiments as part of their learning.
In respect of non-student research, the University policy of ethical review and approval of non-clinical research with human participants, human material or human data applies to all individuals carrying out research under the aegis of Cardiff University. This includes all University employees, whether the work is undertaken within or outside University premises and all visiting researchers of the University irrespective of whether they are employed by the University, including persons with honorary positions, conducting research within, or on behalf of, the University.
What research does it cover?
This guidance covers all research involving human participants or human material or human data. The ethical review process does not include research where the information about human participants is publicly and lawfully available, e.g. information published in the census, population statistics published by government departments, personal letters, diaries etc held in public libraries.
The Committee will review projects to be carried out in the School or by members of staff of the School on non-clinical research involving human participants, human material or human data. Projects will be reviewed and approved that require ethics approval and have not previously been seen by the University Ethics Panel, NHS Local Research Ethics Committee, or another formal ethics panel. The committee will also review audits and service evaluation projects.
Background
In 2003, following a review of the existing University procedures for research management and for considering ethical aspects of research, it was decided by the University Research Committee that a more consistent approach should be adopted throughout the University. From 1 August 2004 the University requires that all research involving human participants or human material or human data is subject to formal ethical review and approval before such work can be started.