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With authority delegated from Senate, the Research Ethics Committee grant ethical clearance for research projects conducted by staff and students that require such consideration.

Terms of Reference

  1. To consider the ethical implications of all research, experiments, investigations and procedures involving human participants, or animal subjects carried out in the University or under the auspices of the University.
  2. To consider the ethical implications arising from research projects collecting, using and/or storing personal data carried out in the University or under the auspices of the University.
  3. In connection with the above, to approve statements of practice for routine and emergency clinical procedures and other research, experiments, investigations and procedures routinely undertaken by appropriate departments of the University.
  4. To set standards, propose and review policy on the ethical conduct of research throughout the University.
  5. To approve School/Departmental delegation frameworks and procedures relating to research ethics.
  6. To receive from individual members of academic staff, students, local Research Ethics Committees, Boards of Studies, or committees of Senate, proposals for all other research, experiments, investigations and procedures falling within its terms of reference and to allow, refer back or disallow such proposals, specifying where necessary any conditions subject to which proposals may be allowed.
  7. To receive and advise on research proposals for the use of the name of the University in connection with all aspects of research involving human participants, personal data or animal subjects.
  8. In carrying out its responsibilities, to seek and take account of all necessary advice from sources within and without the University.
  9. To report to Senate at least once annually on the research, experiments, investigations and procedures which have been allowed by the Committee through the Chair of the Committee.
  10. To receive minutes and reports from Departmental/School Research Ethics Committees and to carry out spot checks on the effectiveness of procedures and standards adopted by the local committees.
  11. To approve requests from external researchers wishing to recruit staff and students from the University for participation in research projects.
  12. To submit a copy of the minutes of each meeting to the Academic Governance Committee.

Equality and Diversity statement

City, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture, under its Public Sector Equality Duties and the Equality Act 2010.

This includes promoting equality and diversity for all, irrespective of any protected characteristic, working pattern, family circumstance, socio-economic background, political belief or other irrelevant distinction.

Diverse membership of all committees is expected. Wherever possible membership will consist of at least 30% women and 30% men and representation of other protected groups will be actively considered.

Where this has not been met committees should be able to demonstrate what action has been taken to achieve this target.

Composition and Membership

Chair

  • Professor Peter Ayton
  • Dr Lorna Ryan (Deputy Chair)

Chairs of Local Research Ethics Committees (ex officio)

  • Business: Professor Paul Palmer; Professor Daniel Beunza
  • Health Sciences: Dr Nick Drey
  • Computer Science: Professor Jason Dykes
  • Engineering: Professor Christoph Bruecker
  • Law: Dr Jesse Elvin
  • Learning, Enhancement and Development: Professor Pam Parker
  • International Politics: Dr Amin Samman
  • Social Sciences: Dr Matt Barnes

Up to five members from the University's academic staff with expert knowledge

  • Dr Julia Yates
  • Dr Lorna Ryan (also Deputy Chair)
  • Professor Alan Simpson

Up to three external independent members

  • Andrew Halper
  • Information Compliance Officer (ex officio): Caroline Llewellyn

Up to two co-opted members

  • Professor Roland Petchey

Research students

  • Vacancy
  • Vacancy

In attendance

  • Research Integrity Manager (Secretary): Anna Ramberg
  • Research and Enterprise Policy Officer (Coordinator): Mariah Loukou

Operational Details

  • Appointments by the Committee which are not ex-officio will be for up to 3 years and will be renewable for a maximum period of office of 9 years. The Research Students would serve 1 term of up to 2 years.
  • Reporting line - Direct to Senate
  • Quorum for business items – 30% rounded up to the next whole number of the total actual membership
  • Quorum for research ethics applications – 8 members of the whole number of the total actual membership, including at least one external member
  • Frequency of meetings - As required normally 6 times a year
  • Decisions on research ethics applications can be taken by correspondence and email provided at least 8 members of the whole number of the total actual membership, including at least one external member take part in the decision.

If you would like to see records of committee meetings, please visit our archived pages.