Research Ethics Committees

What is a Research Ethics Committee (REC)?

Research Ethics Committees (RECs) consider the ethical implications of research for participants (both human and animal) and researchers.  RECs help ensure that the safety, dignity and welfare of everyone involved in research is protected.  They do this by providing an independent review study of documentation and plans, and by issuing an opinion on whether proposed research is ethical.  If you are University staff or student you can find out more about University Research Ethics Committees via our SharePoint. 

Why not join a University REC?

Are you looking for a voluntary role where you can make a real difference to our research?  Whether you’ve got relevant research or professional experience, or none at all, we’re looking for people to join University Research Ethics Committees (REC) to help ethically review our research. 

'Lay' or independent members (with no other affiliation to the University) bring a different and varied set of perspectives to discussions in Research Ethics Committees.  This helps mitigate potential conflicts of interest, ensure sufficient impartial scrutiny, and supports maintenance appropriate checks and balances.  It can be an interesting and rewarding voluntary role, providing an opportunity to hear about a wide range of research projects. 

Appendix E Independent member JD sets out the general requirements of a lay member.  If you would be interested in becoming a lay member of an ethics committee, please contact the Research Ethics and Governance Team cgr-reg@exeter.ac.uk for further information.