Research integrity, ethics and governance

All staff, students and research visitors engaged in research within the University, and externally on behalf of the University, must ensure that research is carried out responsibly in conformity with the law and in accordance with best current practice, irrespective of the source of funding.

Research integrity

World-leading research quality remains at the heart of what St Andrews does, and the University recognises that meeting this aim requires the highest standards of research integrity.

Research involving humans

If your research involves human participants, their data or samples, then ethical review and approval is mandatory and must be obtained before starting your research.

Research involving animals

The University is committed to maintaining a thorough and objective process of ethical review that requires researchers to justify animal involvement and maximise animal welfare. The Animal Welfare and Ethics Review Body (AWERB) is responsible for overseeing, reviewing and approving research involving animals.

Academic staff undertaking external work

The external work policy set by the University Court indicates the circumstances and conditions in and upon which the Court will give consent to academic and academic-related staff to carry out external work.

Research governance

Research governance includes sponsorship of NHS research, due diligence on overseas research partner organisations, export controls, and the Nagoya protocol