The University is committed to ensuring that our research meets the highest standards of research ethics and integrity. As part of our revised approach to managing research ethics we have created 4 new research ethics committees to consider projects with potential to do harm. These Committees will operate University-wide with the following remits:
External Reviewer & Sponsorship
Will consider 2 main types of applications:
- Applications previously reviewed by an external Agency (i.e. projects being migrated to the University, or are part of a bigger consortium where a favourable ethical opinion has already been obtained, etc) and/or
- Applications for research linked to accessing the NHS, or MoD where University Sponsorship is required. This Committee will be Chaired by Professor David Brown and will mostly operate on a virtual basis in responsive mode to expedite decisions.
Biomedical Science
Review of projects in the biosciences that involve data from human participants that do not fall under the NHS sponsored projects. This Committee will be Chaired by Professor James Betts and will meet once a month.
Data & Digital Science
Internal review of applications involving the use of social media as data, where large amounts of data are being handled; consider projects involving AI, machine learning and associated themes. Responsible for contributing to the development of guidance and resources for managing digital risks and addressing ethical concerns for the University as well shaping standards for data collection, sharing and use of norms and practices more broadly. This Committee will be Chaired by Dr Julian Padget and will meet once a month.
Social Science
To consider projects involving human participants that do not require Sponsorship and are outside of the remit of the 3 committees above. This can include projects from social sciences, natural sciences, psychology, engineering and architecture (not an exhaustive list). This Committee will be Chaired by Professor David Ellis and will meet once a month.
Each Committee will consider applications and will provide robust and proportionate advice on the ethical implications of projects liaising directly with researchers in a supportive and constructive way.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for people who are passionate about research ethics, keen to support researchers (staff and students) and help develop our shared culture around ethics and integrity. As part of our committment to driving a continued improvement to our research culture and approach to research ethics we would like to encourage applications from traditionally or currently underrepresented communities. We would also like to hear from those who may have an interest in one (or more) of the following areas:
- Working with the NHS
- Clinical research
- Data sharing/privacy
- Pharmaceuticals/pharmacovigilance/pharmacy
- Artificial intelligence
- Augmented reality
- Autonomous systems
- Human computer interaction
- Social media
Who can apply?
Academic Members
If you are a University of Bath member of staff we would be interested to hear from you, even if you have no current experience we will support your development in this area. Regardless of your level of expertise you will gain a wealth of skills and will have access to training. Membership of each committee has been work loaded as 80hrs/academic year.
Lay Members
Interested volunteers, especially those with qualified experience, or interest, in clinical research, virtual reality, app development, legal, medical or scientific background are encouraged to apply. Lay members can be internal or external to the University. Interested colleagues from Professional Services are welcome to express interest in this opportunity.
Student Members
Interested post-graduate students are also welcome to be part of our research ethics committees.
Will training be provided?
Relevant training will be provided to both academic and lay members.
What is the term of office?
Term of office will be 3 years in the first instance.
I'm currently a member of SSREC, REACH and/or PREC what do I need to do?
As we are moving from Department based committees to operating University-wide, and new committees have been set up, we would still like to hear from you if you wish to continue to be a research ethics committee member. We will need to understand which one of the new committees you would prefer to join.
If this is of interest to you, please e-mail research-ethics@bath.ac.uk with your:
- Expression of interest (one page maximum), outlining your skills, relevant experience and an indication of which committee you are applying for. Lay members should also include
- Current CV (plus one reference by someone who is able to comment on your suitability for the role)