Ethical review application

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. This page describes how to submit an application for ethical review and what to expect along the way. 

Researchers should consult the guidance on ethical issues for more on what to consider when planning research and completing an application form.

There are ethical review application form - exemplars (PDF) available for reference when completing the free-text fields in the application form and there is also training (online and face to face) available for applicants. 

Those making the following types of applications should follow the link for additional information:

Applications for ethics review can only be for a specific research project or study and applications for 'umbrella', 'blanket' or generic approval (aside from teaching module approval) will not be reviewed.

For research involving the NHS

If your research involves the NHS you should also visit the Research involving the NHS page.

For research involving children

You should seek the advice of the Child Panel Representative before submitting your application - please email Dr Barbara Dritschel (bd9@st-andrews.ac.uk). There are template participant documents for children and letters to schools/parents and guardians. You may require PVG/DBS approval, check the guidance on the additional documents page.