University of Ulster

Abstract

Guidance Notes on Completion of Form RG1a and associated documentation SECTION A Form RG1a is the University's own research ethics and governance application form. It is for use by staff and students who are conducting research studies on human subjects and which fall into research categories A, B and D (non-NHS/HPSS). It should not be used for research being conducted in collaboration with the NHS/HPSS; the national NHS application form (also known as the NRES/ORECNI form) must be used in such cases. Chief Investigator The Chief Investigator (CI) should normally be an appropriately experienced academic or academically trained member of staff of the University and should have experience relevant to the proposed study. The University has decided that CIs should be staff because of issues related to experience, accountability, continuity and indemnity. For student projects, the CI will normally be the first-named supervisor. Title The project title must be given in full. This is the title under which the project will be recorded. It must remain unchanged in all correspondence and in use. The project will also be given a reference number by the Research Governance section. If you do not have a reference number, then it is likely that your project has not been fully reviewed and recorded and does not, therefore, have the University's permission to proceed. Other Investigators All staff, students and any other investigators involved in the study should be named. For student projects, all supervisors (other than the first-named supervisor-see CI above) should be recorded. Declaration The CI should assess and indicate the category of the research (A B or D-see Policy and Procedures) and confirm that the research will be conducted appropriately by signing the declaration. (For definitions of research categories please see Peer Review The application should be submitted for peer review. This should be carried out by one or more members of academic staff or equivalent who are independent of the research team involved in the study but are sufficiently knowledgeable to be able to make an informed judgement on the scientific quality and viability of the research and the suitability of the CI to conduct it. Advice on accessing a suitable reviewer is available from the chairperson or administrator of your filter committee (please see below). For student projects, peer review may be arranged by the course director or module coordinator .