Research Ethics and Integrity at the School of Engineering

The School of Engineering is committed to ensuring that research ethics and integrity are firmly embedded in our culture. The School requires that all research carried out by its members is of the highest scientific and ethical standards, and follows the University's guidelines which adopt the UK Research Integrity Office’s Code of Practice for Research.

When planning research projects

The Principal Investigator (PI) of the research project must ensure that the proposed research (along with the research carried out by any collaborators) complies with the Research Ethics and Integrity policies set out by the University and funders. This requires, as a minimum, considering the following questions:

  • Does your research include human or animal subjects?
  • Is the project related to healthcare and/or social care?
  • Does your research have an effect on the environment?
  • Will you be working with collaborative partners (such as military, arms or fossil fuels)?
  • Have you made appropriate arrangements for the protection of personal data
  • Does your research concern groups which may be construed as terrorist or extremist?

and completing the Research Ethics and Integrity self-assessment (EASE authenticated):

Projects in collaboration with other Schools or external organisations may require additional ethics assessments. For instance, projects related to healthcare and/or social care may require ACCORD Sponsorship in addition to a School-level ethics self-assessment.

Heads of Research Institutes have authority, delegated by the Head of School, to approve project, research grant and contract proposals and are responsible for checking that relevant ethical issues are properly considered. Heads of Research Institutes are also responsible for ensuring that research projects are executed within ethical guidelines.

The School of Engineering attaches great importance to addressing the ethical implications of all research activities carried out by its members, be they undergraduates, postgraduates or academic members of staff. Attention to the ethical and legal implications of research for researchers, research subjects, sponsors and collaborators is an intrinsic part of good research practice.

School Named Person

The Deputy Director of Research (Dr Christopher Ness) acts as the Research Ethics and Integrity Officer for the School of Engineering with support from the Research Administrator. Any ethical issues escalated by Heads of Research Institutes or others will be reviewed by the Deputy Director of Research who may then request further information or delegate the issue to the appropriate 3rd party to manage.

College Named Person

For allegations of research misconduct, the Named Person for the College is the Chair of the Research Ethics & Integrity Committee, Professor Jane Hillston. The Named Person receives allegations of misconduct on behalf of the College and ensures that they are investigated appropriately folliwng COllege procedure: CSE Research Misconduct Process and Reporting.

     

      Further Information

      Training available:

      College of Science and Engineering:

      University of Edinburgh:

      External resources: