Research Ethics Policy

East Bridge College
Research Ethics Policy

The East Bridge College follows a comprehensive ethical framework to carry out its research, teaching, enterprise and other activities. This is reflected in the College value:

We do believe in the freedom of mind and pushing the envelope, within an ethical framework, which would ultimately benefit the mankind. We undertake ethical review to ensure that any research, consultancy, enterprise activity or project the College indulges in is for positive good and not to cause any harm.

Activities which involve research/studies on human participants and related data will always be considered ethically. However, the College believes in interpreting ethical issues to be applied further in research, consultancy and enterprise where other factors could be present including:

1. environmental damage
2. political or social sensitivity
3. impact on culture and cultural heritage

We, at East Bridge College, expect staff, students and visitors to be aware of ethical considerations, act in an ethical manner when engaged in College business and aspire to produce the highest quality research.

Overarching Ethics Policy Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to:

1. Lay down the principles applicable to all research, enterprise, consultancy projects and studies conducted at, by or in the name of the East Bridge College
2. Provide members of the College with a clear understanding of the ethical review process operated by the East Bridge College
3. Foster a culture of academic freedom and excellence by setting up a framework for scrutiny of research proposals and other studies that is in proportion to the risk of harm or adverse effect to participants, researchers, the College and to society as a whole.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff and students of the College engaged in studies or research as well as to visitors, individuals, collaborators, or agents conducting research or other studies under the auspices of the College. Barring consultancy and enterprise activities, it does not apply to operational decisions or actions taken by the College e.g. financial, facilities, procurement or human resource related matters as these are subject to different review procedures.

Principles of Ethical Research

1. Integrity, quality and transparency should be the focus areas of research and study undertaken.
2. Those who are interested to participate in the research and study must be fully informed and give their consent in writing to take part voluntarily, freely and without any coercion.
3. Requisite measures to be taken to avoid any risks whatsoever so that harm and/or damage arising from the research is avoided or minimised wherever possible.
4. The intention and purpose of the research/study must be clear, and any conflicts of interest or partiality must be explicit.
5. High ethical standards need to be maintained wherever in the world the study/research is undertaken.

The College apply these principles by conveying its standards and policies to staff through education and training, publication of this and related policies, and through this Ethics Policy.

Ethical Review Process

East Bridge College is committed to providing a competent, rigorous and independent process of ethical review for the research and studies undertaken proportionate to the risk involved.

The College Ethics Committee is responsible for the ethical review process at the College.

University Ethics Committee

The University Ethics Committee is chaired by the President and the Dean of Faculty of Business and Media and Faculty of Education and is responsible for developing, keeping under review and monitoring the implementation of the College Ethics Policy, and for sustaining a College-wide awareness of research governance, ethical and related issues.