Research Newsletter - Issue 56: Spotlight

The REC, in conjunction with the Institute of Ethics, has identified the Satori framework as the most suitable assessment framework to inform ethical review for the wide variety of research in DCU. This framework is intended to provide a clear understanding of the ethical principles involved, and provides for transparency in REC decision making.

The Research Ethics Application Portal will be launched in October and will be available on Loop. The portal will host a variety of support activities to guide applicants in preparing their application for submission and review. Applicants will also be able to upload their ethics forms via the portal and will receive an email to acknowledge receipt of their application.

The REC application form has been revised in line with GDPR requirements for researchers. As a result, there is no longer a need for applicants to provide a Personal Data Security Schedule (PDSS) with their submission. These changes have also been incorporated into the templates for developing Plain Language Statements, Informed Consent and Assent forms which are available on the REC website. The Data Protection Office (DPO) will assist applicants to identify what is a high-risk project from a data protection perspective. REC and the DPO have also collaborated on developing GDPR and ethics training for researchers, and this is being rolled out across the University this semester.  

As a result of the challenges that have emerged for researchers during COVID-19, REC has collaborated with key support units to explore how researchers could be supported to conduct their research online, in particular aspects that would normally take place using face to face methods (e.g. obtaining consent/assent for online surveys, interviews, focus groups; duty of care to participants during interviews and focus groups, how to manage child protection issues in a virtual space etc.). Similar to face to face methods, applicants who are moving their research methods online need to provide protocols for same. While it is acknowledged that projects can differ significantly, a number of guidance documents are available to support researchers in this regard:

• Guidelines for researchers for using Zoom for interviews developed by the DPO in conjunction with ISS and the TEU.
• Short guide to Security settings on Zoom especially if eliciting sensitive information.
• Managing focus groups online via Zoom breakout rooms.
• Managing participants under 18 to ensure child protection via Zoom alternative host functionality.
• Controlling chat access so that bullying and sharing of inappropriate links between participants doesn’t occur.
• Developing a video to use as a Plain language Statement - the easiest options to use are either Unicam (web-based video capture system) or Zoom (record the meeting with you being the only person in the room).