Types of Submissions
Types of REC Submissions
The following descriptions provide some guidance on the types of research projects which should be submitted for notification, expedited review or full committee review. The guidelines are broad because the ethical issues involved in specific research projects will be determined by their details. Examples are provided in each category, but these are not an exhaustive list of the projects falling into each category. These guidelines are intended to develop and respond to changes in various research fields. Therefore, further examples will be added where feasible. Suggestions for additions or changes to the examples can be submitted by clicking on this feedback form.
Submission Protocol
Regardless of which application is submitted, it should be completed fully with all supplementary materials included (recruitment materials, participant information sheet, informed consent, permission letters, etc.). Incomplete applications will be not be reviewed, but will be returned for completion, which may delay their review. Forms should be completed carefully and professionally. REC membership includes those from various academic backgrounds and lay members, so technical jargon and insider terminology should be avoided. The full application, but especially the materials being distributed to participants, should be free of spelling and grammar errors, and proofread for readability, clarity and accuracy. Applications, including any accompanying documentation, should be submitted as one attachment to rec@dcu.ie.
Student Submissions
Supervisors play an important role in completing student applications. For any project involving students other than PhD students, the supervisor is the Principal Investigator. It is therefore important that supervisors have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on all applications. The supervisor must also sign off on the Final Draft of the application submitted. Students should arrange with their supervisors to provide sufficient time for such dialogue. All supervisors must be copied on the email submission to rec@dcu.ie