This AHRC-funded report is designed to stimulate reflection and discussion about ethical issues that could arise in qualitative, Humanities-based research designs that might be considered ‘risky’. The report can be used at project meetings; by University Research Ethics Committees (URECs), College Research Ethics Committees, and other governance bodies; and in discussions with project stakeholders. It is also designed to help postgraduate, early-career researchers, and PhD supervisors navigate key issues pertaining to risky qualitative research, and to provide additional readings and precedence in developing applications for ethical review. The report is organised thematically and proposes a series of principles for reforming ethical review in this space, as well as recommendations for URECs, governance bodies, and funders. The themes arising may not be applicable to all qualitative research designs, and the specific methods and context of the research will need to be reflected upon when using this report. Different types of methodologies, participants, stakeholders and local contexts will require different ethical-approval processes that use disparate forms and procedures. The reflection that this report intends to stimulate should be promoted by and among all those involved in the design and conduct of the research, including wherever possible with participants and their communities. 

How to cite this report: Kasstan, Jonathan R., Pearson, Geoff & Victoria Brooks (2023): Rethinking Research Ethics in the Humanities: Principles and Recommendations. doi.org/10.34737/w36yq.