# Research integrity and ethics

**Source**: https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/university-research-ethics-committees-and-review-body/
**Parent**: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/research-integrity-and-ethics/

# University Research Ethics Committees and Review Body

## Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of the University's Research Ethics Committees.

# Overview

Research projects which are not eligible for [proportionate review](https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/ethics-review-process/#proportionate-review) at Departmental/Faculty level will be reviewed by one of the Research Ethics Committees/Review Body listed below.

Each Committee/Review Body aims to consider applications and provide robust and proportionate advice on the ethical implications of projects, liaising directly with researchers in a supportive and constructive way.

The relevant Committee/Review Body for a research project will be determined depending on the ethical issues raised by the research question, nature of data to be collected, type of participant to be studied and possible misuse of results/materials arising from the project.

For more information on the types of research considered by each committee consult the [types of research table](https://www.bath.ac.uk/publications/types-of-research-considered-by-the-university-research-ethics-committees/).

# External & Sponsorship Committee

This Committee will consider 2 main types of applications:

- Applications previously reviewed by an external agency (i.e. projects being migrated to the University, or are part of a bigger consortium where a favourable ethical opinion has already been obtained, etc) and/or
- Applications for research linked to accessing the NHS, or MoD where [University Sponsorship](https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/obtaining-sponsorship-from-the-university-of-bath-guidance/) is required.

This Committee is Chaired by [Professor David Brown](https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/david-brown) and mostly operates on a virtual basis in a responsive mode to expedite decisions.

View the External & Sponsorship Committee Terms of Reference [here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/external-sponsorship-ethics-committee/).

Composition of the Externally Reviewed & Sponsorship Committee can be found [here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/external-sponsorship-committee-members/.).

# Biomedical Science Research Ethics Committee

Review projects in the biosciences that involve data from human participants that do not fall under the NHS sponsored projects. This Committee is Chaired by [Dr Lee Moore](https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/lee-moore) and meet once a month.

For more information about this Committee please see the [Terms of Reference](https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/biomedical-sciences-research-ethics-committee/) and [membership here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/biomedical-science-research-ethics-committee-members/).

For information about meeting dates and deadlines for submission of ethics forms please see [here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/rec-meeting-dates-and-deadlines-for-applications/).

# Data & Digital Science Research Ethics Committee

Internal review of applications involving the use of social media as data, where large amounts of data are being handled; consider projects involving AI, machine learning and associated themes. Responsible for contributing to the development of guidance and resources for managing digital risks and addressing ethical concerns for the University as well shaping standards for data collection, sharing and use of norms and practices more broadly. This Committee is Chaired by [Dr Julian Padget](https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/julian-padget) and meet once a month.

Data & Digital Science Research Ethics Committee Terms of Reference can be found [here](https://bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/data-digital-science-research-ethics-committee) and memberships details [here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/teams/data-digital-science-research-ethics-committee-members/).

For information about meeting dates and deadlines for submission of ethics forms please see [here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/rec-meeting-dates-and-deadlines-for-applications/).

# Social Science Research Ethics Committee

Consider projects involving human participants that do not require Sponsorship and are outside of the remit of the 3 committees above. This can include projects from social sciences, natural sciences, psychology, engineering and architecture (not an exhaustive list). This Committee is Chaired by  [Professor David Ellis](https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/david-ellis) and meet once a month.

View the Social Science Research Ethics Committee Terms of Reference [here](https://bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/social-sciences-research-ethics-committee/) and details of membership [here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/teams/social-science-research-ethics-committee-members/).

For information about meeting dates and deadlines for submission of ethics forms please see [here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/rec-meeting-dates-and-deadlines-for-applications/).

# Animal Welfare & Ethics Review Body

Consider applications from projects involving the use of animals (non-humans) or their tissues.

View the University’s Procedure for ethical review when using animals [here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/procedure-for-ethical-review-when-using-animals/)

View the University’s Code of ethical practice for research involving animals [here](https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/code-of-ethical-practice-for-research-involving-animals/).

Find out more

[Research Ethics and Integrity](https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/research-integrity-and-ethics/)