Regarding all such research
Last updated: 22 May 2020
Until further notice, all research activity involving travel or face-to-face interaction with participants is not permitted. Researchers must consider whether they can adapt their research to conduct participant interactions remotely. If this is not possible the research must be postponed. This is in line with the approach being taken by other Universities and the NHS. For the full statement on Covid-19 and research involving humans, and contact points, please go the research involving humans web page.
Ethical review applications and approvals
New ethical review applications and amendment applications can only be approved at this time if they relate to research that does not involve travel or face-to-face interaction with participants. An Interim guidance page has been developed for the ethical review and approval of research involving humans in the current circumstances. This page includes guidance on the types of research can that continue and some of the ethical issues to consider when conducting research involving humans at the present time. It also details the new temporary proportionate review process for ethical review applications or amendments which has been introduced to reduce impact on ethical review timescales and School ethics committees.
Guidance on ethical issues for research involving humans
The guidance on ethical issues for research involving humans has been reviewed in light of the current circumstances. Existing topics such as Consent have been updated and new topics such as Online interviews and focus groups have been added to reflect the increased focus on online and remote methods. These guidance topics describe best practice plus some of the practical and ethical issues researchers may need to consider when making an ethical review application for research involving these methods
Covid-19 Ethics Forum
The University Teaching and Research Ethics Committee (UTREC) has instated a weekly Covid-19 Ethics Forum to allow for more communication and knowledge-sharing between School ethics committees(SECs). This forum gives SECs the opportunity to discuss new or challenging ethical issues they may encounter. It also provides a mechanism for SECs to regularly feedback to UTREC any issues, such as where there may be a need for additional guidance or adaptations as circumstances evolve.
Regarding all such research that involves overseas collaborators and fieldworkers
Last updated: 24 March 2020
Collaborative research involving human participants where researchers or participants are located overseas will face challenges in the current circumstances. Researchers are encouraged to discuss these with their collaborators and establish the situation, requirements and current advice of any other institutions or countries involved.
Researchers or fieldworkers abroad employed directly by the University of St Andrews, paid through a grant managed by the University of St Andrews or where the University of St Andrews is the lead collaborator must adhere to the announcement advising all research involving travel or face-to-face contact with participants must stop.
Researchers or fieldworkers abroad employed directly by another institution, paid through a grant managed by another institution or where another institution is the lead collaborator must consult with their own institution and only continue research with their institution’s explicit consent.
In all cases, staff of the University of St Andrews must ensure no pressure is put on collaborators to continue research at this time, regardless of the leading institution, and encourage all involved in research consider if and how they can shift to research methods that do not involve travel or face-to-face contact with others.