Guidance on ethical issues in research involving humans
Research involving humans - response to COVID-19
15 January 2021
Due to the current circumstances, researchers must consider using online or remote methods where at all possible.
Any in-person face-to-face research or research involving travel must be permissible, safe and ethical.
Due to the current circumstances and restrictions in Scotland and the rest of the UK, research involving in-person contact with human participants is only permissible in very limited situations. For more information see the University research and coronavirus page.
Researchers must check the University coronavirus information pages and travel and fieldwork guidance frequently and before commencing any activity to ensure they are complying with current requirements.
For more information on the ethical review process at this time, see the interim guidance for research involving humans.
The guidance on this page covers the specific ethical issues you may need to consider when completing your ethical 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).
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