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Research Ethics in the School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies

Background

Trinity College Dublin requires that staff and students obtain research ethics approval before embarking on research that involves human subjects and animals. Trinity’s Policy on Good Research Practice is a helpful document you should familiarise yourself with, and the document outlines our processes for ethical review and approval.

Currently “low” risk applications are reviewed by our School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies Ethics Committee (SRRE). ‘Higher’ risk applications are reviewed by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (FREC).

If you are applying to the AHSS Faculty committee please see the submission process and deadlines for 22-23. The last date for submission is May 8th, 2023.

Applying for Research Ethics Release or Approval - Autumn 2022

1. To determine whether you need to apply for ethical approval for your research, fill out the School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies "Research Ethics Checklist" and follow its instructions on the application process.

2. If the application is deemed to be appropriate for the School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies Research Ethics Committee, thoroughly fill out both the "Tick List" and "Research Ethics Application" form. Make sure to include copies of your informed consent sheets, interview questions, or other relevant documentation for your project.

3. Submit the application to the Chair of the School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies Research Ethics Committee, Prof. Cathriona Russell (russelc@tcd.ie). Make sure to submit your application in time for the next appropriate deadline (see list below).

4. For sample versions of an Informed Consent form and Information Sheet for Participants, follow the link below to the Faculty of AHSS research ethics page.

Update on Research Ethics approval process - from January 2023

The Research Ethics Application Management System (REAMs) is TCD’s new web-based platform for submitting an ethics application. It is now live.

From January 2023: all applications from Staff researchers or PhD students should be made through REAMs.

From September 2023: all applications – including applications from taught and research masters students and undergraduate students – should be made through REAMs.

To become familiar with this system and for guidance and resources please visit the REAMs web page.