Research Newsletter - Issue 96: Information and Updates

IPPOSI and HSE Launch Free Online Research Ethics Course for the Public and Patients

IPPOSI, together with HSE Research and Development, the National Office for Research Ethics Committees, a number of patient partners and a wider partnership collaborative, has announced the launch of a new online course on Research Ethics for the public and patients.

Ethical oversight of health and social care research is an essential component of robust and trusted research practice, to ensure that the safety, dignity, and well-being of research participants is safeguarded.

This 6-week online course, co-designed and co-developed with key stakeholders, aims to empower the public and patients with knowledge and skills to actively participate in health and social care research ethics processes such as participating on Research Ethics Committees.  Patients and members of the public can leverage the learnings from this course, and bring their lived experiences and perspectives to a robust ethics review process that underpins the safety, dignity, and well-being of research participants in Ireland.

The course, the first of its kind, aims to enhance the public’s understanding of ethical considerations in health research, including informed consent, data protection and privacy and the ethical review process. Additional lessons on topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Research with Children and Biobanking will also be a feature of this course.

Interested in applying?  

Applications to join the course are open from 18th Sept 2024 to 4th Oct 4 2024. All the details you need to complete the application can be viewed below:

• Detailed Course Overview (10 pages, PDF)

• Guide for Applicants  (9 pages, PDF)

• Link to online application form – takes 10 minutes approximately to complete, includes a motivation statement

An informational webinar will be hosted on 2nd October from 10-10:45am. Sign up to learn more about the course and the application process. Register for the webinar here.

PLEASE NOTE: Places on this first edition of the course are limited, and the closing date for applications is 4th October 2024.

To learn more about the course and how to apply, contact Loes Knaapen, IPPOSI Training Coordinator at lknaapen@ipposi.ie.

DCU Research Ethics Committee Forms and Templates Update 

The updated DCU REC application form and the new versions of the DCU REC templates are available here and on the Research Ethics Portal on Loop. Researchers are requested to use only these forms and templates when submitting applications for ethics review. 

EU Horizon Europe Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy, Mobility) Evaluators Needed in Social Sciences and Humanities

• Are you excited by the societal dimension of R&I developments applied to the fields of Climate, Energy and/or Mobility?

• Are you eager to improve the responsiveness to societal needs and concerns as regards to R&I processes in these fields?
• Are you interested in participatory and co-creation methods, knowledge integration and interdisciplinary perspectives?

If you answered yes to these three questions, then you should apply to become an expert to evaluate the SSH aspects (Social Sciences, Humanities) of R&I actions under Cluster 5 work programmes of Horizon Europe.

Make sure to register before 4th October 2024!

• Step 1:  Register to the European Commission's expert database.
• Step 2: Complete this form.

More information is available here.

You are encouraged to register to the European Commission’s expert database as an SSH evaluator independently of your organisation’s participation in Horizon Europe projects or proposal preparation. Please note that you can become an SSH evaluator even if you or your organisation are involved in EU projects (potential conflicts of interest are assessed on a case-by-case basis). Your registration in the expert database will make your profile available for all future calls of Horizon Europe.

Launch of All-Island Research Culture Network

The All-Island Research Culture Network was launched on 16th May 2024. The Network aims to facilitate sharing best practice and current developments in areas that impact Research Culture -  such as Open Research, Research Assessment, Research Integrity, Responsible Use of Research Metrics, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Recognition of Team Contributions, and Wellbeing.

The launch formed part of the proceedings of the 2024 Research Culture Conference (hosted by South Eastern Technological University)

The focus of the conference was on building open, diverse, and inclusive cultures in higher education and research performing organisations. The Programme included sessions that addressed Research Assessment, Engaged Research, and Equality Diversity and Inclusion. The conference website has now been updated to include presentation details.

New Tools Enhance Access to Library Licenced Scholarly Content

The Library recently launched a suite of tools to enhance and improve access to scholarly content via Library Search but also as you conduct research on the web.

Researchers can now:

• Download the LibKey Nomad browser extension and get instant access to DCU Library's licensed resources when searching the web e.g. via publisher websites, PubMed and Wikipedia etc.
• Use  LibKey.io  to find full text, scholarly articles with only a DOI or PMID
• Use BrowZine on your desktop or download the phone app to browse library journals and/or create a personalised online book shelf of your favourite scholarly journals 

MSCA-NET Doctoral Networks 2024 Handbook Now Available

MSCA-NET, the international network of MSCA National Contact Points (NCPs), has published the 2024 Doctoral Networks proposal writing handbook. This valuable tool provides section by section advice (including a comprehensive overview of the EU policy priorities with a focus on the MSCA) and guidance on what to address and includes some common strengths and weaknesses for each part of the proposal.

You can access the handbook here.

DFHERIS Call for Evidence for the Tertiary Sector

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) has launched a call for evidence for the tertiary sector. This call seeks to identify research activity and expertise to support policy development and decision making in the department.

 The call invites submissions aligned to themes contained in the DFHERIS Statement of Research Priorities (2023-24) and other key areas of interest outlined on the website here. Submissions outside these themes are also welcomed, provided they complement DFHERIS’ remit. Call details, including submission instructions, are available on the DFHERIS website. Please note, submissions are welcome from researchers at all career stages (based in public or private organisations), including early career researchers. 

The closing date for the call is Monday, 21st October 2024.

 Queries can be directed to evidenceforpolicy@dfheris.gov.ie.