Queen Mary Research Ethics Committee - Academic Registry and ...

Queen Mary Research Ethics Committee
Queen Mary Research Ethics Committee is a committee of Senate.
Terms of reference
1. To provide a forum for the independent review of research ethics matters in the
College.
2. To approve policies, procedures and guidelines for the consideration of all
proposals for research that involves human subjects 1 and materials derived from
human subjects and which are to be carried out within the geographical
boundaries of Queen Mary, University of London and/or are to be undertaken by
staff or students of the College elsewhere.
3. To consider and approve policy in relation to research ethics and make
recommendations to Senate where applicable. This includes the identification of
criteria for low risk and high risk applications and policies that enable researchers
to understand what are to be the generally accepted ethical principles for Queen
Mary, University of London.
4. To approve the membership of the Research Ethics Sub Boards.
5. To monitor the work of the Research Ethics Sub Boards and to consider reports
on ethical approval granted by the sub-boards and through the fast track system.
6. To consider research ethics applications that meet the criteria for being high risk
or that are complex and those applications referred to it by the Sub Boards.
7. To consider relevant external developments and identify any implications and
required actions for the College and the Committee’s work.
8. To identify those proposals that require consideration by an NHS committee and
refer them to the relevant committee.
9. To make reports to The Vice Principal’s Research Advisory Group for its
information.
10. To report to Senate on its work.
11. To advise Senate on any other matter of relevance referred to it by Senate.
1 For the purpose of the Committee’s terms of reference, ‘research which involves
human subjects’ should be interpreted in the broadest sense, i.e. student work,
projects based on questionnaires, interviews etc and not just for example scientific
experiments involving human subjects. This is further amplified in the College Policy
on Research Ethics.

Membership of QMREC
An external member of Council (Chair), nominated by Council.
A representative of Queen Mary Senior Executive, nominated by the Principal.
The Chairs of the Research Ethics Sub-Boards
Up to four further members of each academic sector of the College (Humanities
and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry),
normally, each of whom is also a member of one of the sub-boards.
One student, nominated by the President of the Students’ Union
Up to two further co-opted external members.
Up to two further members co-opted members drawn from the staff of the
College.
Secretariat
The Secretary will be a member of administrative staff of the College
In attendance
The following may be in attendance at meetings of QMREC:
Representatives of the Research Grants Administration Office
Researchers invited to discuss their proposals and other matters with the
Committee.
Other staff and students of the College with the agreement of the Chair.
Meetings
3 times per year.
Research Ethics Sub-Boards
Research Ethics Sub-Boards report to the Queen Mary Research Ethics Committee
and provide independent consideration of applications for research ethics approval.
Terms of reference
1. To consider applications for research ethics and decide, on behalf of the College,
whether or not ethical approval should be granted. This approval may be
conditional or based on specified recommendations.
2. To identify issues for report to the QMREC.
3. To make reports to QMREC on its work as applicable.
Membership
A Chair drawn from one of the academic sectors (each Sub-Board will have a
chair drawn from a different sector)
At least two and up to four academic staff members, normally one from each of
the sectors.