Research Ethics - CITY College, University of York Europe Campus
Κολέγιο CITY College
Main Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece

Ethics in Research

This webpage offers staff and students, studying for a University of York’s degree programme, information and resources on Ethics in Research at CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, and on the process of applying to the Humanities Department Ethics Committee for ethics review & approval. If you have any questions or require further clarifications, please email kpasmatzi@york.citycollege.eu.

 

Humanities Department Approach to Ethics in Research

The Humanities Department adheres to CITY College Ethics in Research Policy that requires that all research involving human participants and personal data should be reviewed, and research ethics approval obtained, before any data collection commences. That is, ethics approval cannot be granted retrospectively. If you need further clarifications on what academic activities constitute research that requires ethical review and approval, please contact Dr Pasmatzi (kpasmatzi@york.citycollege.eu). Research with Humans and personal data conducted by a staff member or student should also be in agreement with the University of York’s Research Code of practice on ethics - Staff home, University of York.

CITY College’s main guiding principle for research with humans and personal data is to avoid any harm or distress to any individual directly or indirectly involved in the research activity. This guiding principle can be expanded into three further principles: 1. Respect for the participant’s dignity, rights, safety and well-being. 2. Respect for the safety and well-being of those carrying out the research. 3. Consideration of the impact of the research activity on the wider society, and the natural environment.

Further relevant information and guidance on principles and good practices of Ethics & Integrity in Research can be found in the following sources:

Special consideration should be given to research involving vulnerable groups, sensitive topics or deception. Potentially vulnerable groups may include, but are not limited to, children people with learning disabilities or with mental impairment due to health or lifestyle, ex-prisoners, migrants & ethnic minorities, and those unable to consent or understand the research. Potentially sensitive topics might include political views, sexual orientation, religion, trade union membership, drug use, etc.

 

Ethics Review & Approval for your Research Project

To apply for Ethics approval you need to follow these steps:

1. Download CITY College Ethics Application Form, and any other relevant ethics document (e.g., information & consent forms).

2. Discuss with your supervisor in order to finalise the Ethics Application Form and complete all relevant documentations.

3. Once your supervisor has signed the CITY College Supervisor Approval Form, you submit your application and the relevant additional documentation.

The next steps taken by the Department are:

4. Your Ethics Application will be then reviewed by the department, and one of the following decisions will be communicated to you by the departmental Ethics Coordinator:

4.1. Approved: Nothing to do. Proceed with your project.

4.2. Compulsory Changes: You will have to revise your Application with the help of your supervisor, edit your original submission and re-submit (step 2 and 3 above).

4.3. Not Approved. In the rare event of your Research Project not being approved on ethics grounds, you will have to design a new study and submit a new Ethics Application Form (following steps 2 and 3).

The department will do its best to timely communicate to you the Ethics review decision, on average within 10 working days. However, delays can occur if a research ethics application form is not fully completed, if the ethics reviewers request more information or if an application is judged contentious. Finally, we would like to note that the department has the following specific fixed periods for Ethics application submissions: February 25th to March 25th, June 20th to July 10th and September 30th to October 20th. Therefore, we strongly advise you to discuss with your supervisor and plan for Ethics submission well in advance. 

Notice that failing to obtain Ethics approval before commencing any Research Project involving Human participants or/and personal data will constitute a breach of CITY College Ethics Policy, and it will be dealt with under CITY College Policy for malpractice, impropriety or wrongdoing, and CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, Regulations.

 

Information Sheets and Consent Forms Templates

Downnload CITY College templates for additional Ethics application documents such as those relating to participants information and consent, debriefing and accessibility letter.

 

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