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

Queen Mary Research Ethics CommitteeQueen Mary Research Ethics Committee is a committee of Academic Board.Terms of reference1. To provide a forum for the independent review of research ethics matters in theCollege.2. To approve policies, procedures and guidelines for the consideration of allproposals for research that involves human subjects 1 and materials derived fromhuman subjects and which are to be carried out within the geographicalboundaries of Queen Mary, University of London and/or are to be undertaken bystaff or students of the College elsewhere.3. To consider and approve policy in relation to research ethics and makerecommendations to Academic Board where applicable. This includes theidentification of criteria for low risk and high risk applications and policies thatenable researchers to understand what are to be the generally accepted ethicalprinciples 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 reportson 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 riskor that are complex and those applications referred to it by the Sub Boards.7. To consider relevant external developments and identify any implications andrequired actions for the College and the Committee’s work.8. To identify those proposals that require consideration by an NHS committee andrefer them to the relevant committee.9. To make reports to Research Board for its information.10. To report to Academic Board on its work.11. To advise Academic Board on any other matter of relevance referred to it byAcademic Board.1 For the purpose of the Committee’s terms of reference, ‘research which involveshuman subjects’ should be interpreted in the broadest sense, ie student work,projects based on questionnaires, interviews etc and not just for example scientificexperiments involving human subjects. This is further amplified in the College Policyon 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 (Humanitiesand 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 theCollege.SecretariatThe Secretary will be a member of administrative staff of the CollegeIn attendanceThe 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 theCommittee. Other staff and students of the College with the agreement of the Chair.MeetingsOnce per semester (3 times per year).Research Ethics Sub-BoardsResearch Ethics Sub-Boards report to the Queen Mary Research Ethics Committeeand provide independent consideration of applications for research ethics approval.Terms of reference1. To consider applications for research ethics and decide, on behalf of the College,whether or not ethical approval should be granted. This approval may beconditional 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.MembershipA Chair drawn from one of the academic sectors (each Sub-Board will have achair drawn from a different sector)At least two and up to four academic staff members, normally one from each ofthe sectors.