Guidance on ethical issues in research involving humans
New online ethics system for research involving humans
Please use the online ethics system to submit a new ethics application:
You may need to use the Word form for amendments if your application was processed in the old system. See the guidance on amendments.
Recent updates:
- Please complete our survey for applicants on the change to the new ethics system. Survey open until 6 December 2025.
- There has been a recent update to the system interface. Please see the Moodle courses for more information and videos.
The guidance on this page covers ethics issues you may need to consider when completing your ethics application form if you are conducting research involving human participants, their data or samples.
For guidance on other aspects of good research conduct visit the good research conduct web page.
If you are unable to find guidance relating to your circumstances seek advice from your School ethics committee and consult external guidance specific to your discipline (such as a learned society).
If there is a topic that you feel should be included that is not currently featured, please email utrecmail@st-andrews.ac.uk