The School of Engineering, as part of the University of Edinburgh, undertakes a wide range of research and consultancy work. At one end this covers research with human subjects (surveys, questionnaires, laboratory experiments), through clinically-related research on humans or human-derived tissue, and animals, to fundamental research in the fields of evolution, mathematics, informatics, chemistry, physics, astronomy and engineering.
School Requirement
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:
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. See the section below, "Ethical Concerns."
Heads of Research Institutes have authority, delegated by the Head of School, to approve 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.
In line with the Research Ethics framework 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 Procedure
The Deputy Director of Research (Dr Christoper 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 the Head of Research Institute will be reviewed by the Deputy Director of Research and any issues relating to Research Integrity will be initially reported by the College to the Deputy Director of Research, who may then request further information or delegate the issue to the appropriate 3rd party to manage. For research projects, the PI should conduct a Research Ethics and Integrity Assessment using the form below.
College Procedure
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.
Ethical Concerns
- Does your research include human or animal subjects?
- 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?
If you have answered yes to any of the above, you will be required to complete a Research Ethics and Integrity self-assessment. Please complete the form below (EASE authenticated).
Further Information
Further information can be found on the EI (Edinburgh Innovations), College of Science and Engineering, University of Edinburgh websites:
