Quality Assurance Manual

Quality Assurance Manual Section A12 Research Ethics Sub-Section A12 1 Policy and Procedure for Ethical Review of Postgraduate Research Degree Programmes & Research Proposals not leading to an Award on the National Framework of Qualifications Date Approved by QA 11/12/2014 Date Approved by AC 15/12/2014 Date Published 01/01/2015

1. Purpose

The purpose of this document is to specify the policy and procedures in relation to ethical review of Research Degree Programme proposals and

Research Proposals submitted to external bodies processed via the Research Office.

2. Scope

The policy and procedures apply to Research Degree Programme proposals

and Research Proposals submitted to external bodies processed via the Research Office.

3. Responsibility

1. 
   Vice President of Academic Affairs & Registrar
   
2. 
   Chair of the Research and Development Subcommittee
   
3. 
   Chair of Institute Postgraduate Committee
   
4. 
   Chair of the Institute Research Ethics Committee (See Appendix 1 – Terms of Reference for IREC)
   
5. 
   Head of School / Head of Department
   
6. 
   Academic Staff, Research Staff, Research Supervisors
   
7. 
   All Postgraduate Research Degree Students
   
8. 
   Collaborative Partners
   

4. References

4.1 World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki - Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects (World Medical Association, 2008).

2. 
   Research Degree Programme Policy and Criteria (Quality and Qualifications Ireland, 2015).
   

5. Policy Statement

Maintenance of high ethical standards in research is a central and critical responsibility of the Institute of Technology, Tralee (IT Tralee). It is imperative that the ethics and integrity of research are beyond question as each individual involved in research proposal preparation and approval and in research performance has a responsibility not only to him/herself but also to wider society. This policy should be interpreted in such a manner that is consistent with the Institute’s’ commitment to the highest standards of professional conduct.

Members of the Institute’s academic and research community have the responsibility to act in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and to conform to legal and Institute codes of practice and policies. The Institute considers that its obligations extend to wider society, due to the nature of research and the potential it has for the development and validation of knowledge. Research must be conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Irish law and European Union (E.U.) law and the guidelines of the relevant professional organisations.
All research activity within the scope of this document must undergo ethics review, as described herein, before it commences.

6. Procedures for Ethical Review of Postgraduate Research Degree Programmes

1. Definitions

A Postgraduate Research Degree Programme is a programme leading to a discrete award at Level 9 or Level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications.