Ethics

As a researcher, when should you apply for ethical approval?

• If your work involves human tissue.
• If you are working with information gathered from people, including opinion based questionnaires.
• If you are conducting work with animals or animal tissues.
• If you are working with or creating genetically modified organisms that have potential of environmental impact.
• Any other activity that has potential of environmental impact.
• Any work which carries reputational risk to the Department, Faculty or University.

NB: The list above is for guidance and is not exhaustive. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to determine any potential ethical issues raised by their work, and present them to an appropriate University of York Ethics Committee before undertaking any work. This includes work that has obtained ethical approval externally, and any national or international collaborations with which the University or Department name will be associated.