Why do I need ethics clearance?

Researchers have a right, as well as an obligation, to refrain from undertaking or continuing any research that contravenes the UNISA Policy on Research Ethics, violates the integrity and/or validity of research and/or compromises their autonomy in research. The Policy on Research Ethics is not intended to restrict or discourage research at UNISA. On the contrary, this policy aims to:

• Inform the researcher of his/her responsibilities in conducting ethical research.
• Understand and promote adherence to all applicable procedures;
• Protect the rights of all stakeholders.

Read the UNISA Policy on Research Ethics before you apply for ethics clearance:

http://staffcmsys.unisa.ac.za/cmsys/staff/contents/departments/res_policies/docs/Policy%20on%20Research%20Ethics%20-%20rev%20appr%20-%20Council%20-%2015.09.2016.pdf

1. How do I apply for ethics clearance?

Researchers may only undertake research that has been approved by an appropriate UNISA Ethics Review Committee. An ethics review is an objective appraisal of the effect of the proposed research on the wellbeing of potential participants, the environment, institutions, collectivities and communities.

You are required to submit the required application documents/application forms to:

Engelm1@unisa.ac.za

Your application will be screened and forwarded to the relevant departmental ethics committee. If your application is incomplete, it will be referred back to you after the screening process.

Please refer to the Ethics Clearance Application Pamphlet for more information.

You are also required to register your submission online:

http://survey.unisa.ac.za/index.php/699523?lang=en

Can I start with my research before I receive my ethics clearance certificate?

No.  It is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that she/he does not undertake research without ethics clearance.

Ethics clearance will not be granted retrospectively.

It is strongly suggested that you allow adequate time (+- one month) for the application to be approved, before commencing with research activities, such as data collection.

Where can I get the application forms?

Application forms are available from your supervisor or the Research Ethics and Integrity Advisor – Dr Marianne Engelbrecht: engelm1@unisa.ac.za

How do I know which forms to submit?

For research that includes direct human participant involvement or a combination of direct human participant involvement and the collection of secondary information, complete Form 1.

For research that involves NO human participant involvement, and uses only secondary data, complete Form 2.

Complete Form 3 for conceptual research.

Read the instructions carefully as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Use Form 1, Appendix 1 as a checklist to ensure that you have submitted all the required documents.

If you have any questions about or require assistance with the completion of the forms, please contact your supervisor (masters or doctoral students), or the Research Ethics and Integrity Advisor - Dr Marianne Engelbrecht:   engelm1@unisa.ac.za

How long will it take to complete the application forms?

Obtaining ethics clearance involves a rigorous review process that requires a substantial amount of information from the applicant. As the supervisor needs to approve the submission and supporting documents, allow +- 2 weeks for the finalisation of the documents.

If you need assistance with the completion of forms or advice, contact the Research Ethics and Integrity Advisor - Dr Marianne Engelbrecht:   engelm1@unisa.ac.za

Risk and ethics clearance

Researchers have a responsibility towards those involved in or affected by their work. They should make reasonable efforts to anticipate and to guard against the possibility of their research having undesirable or harmful consequences. They must be prepared to take responsibility and to be held accountable for all aspects and consequences of their research activities. The UNISA research ethics review system is based on the UNISA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Research Ethics Risk Assessment.

You will be required to complete a risk assessment and classify your research project based on the anticipated degree of risk.

Any research project that involves human participants should be classified as Category 2 (or higher).

Negligible and low risk research applications (Categories 1 &2) can be processed by an expedited review procedure by the Departmental Ethics Review Committee.

Medium and high risk research (Categories 3 & 4) is approved through a comprehensive Research Ethics review procedure by the College Research Ethics Review Committee.

I have submitted my application. What is the next step?

The Departmental Ethics Review Committees and the College Ethics Review Committee meet monthly to consider applications. Your application might be approved, referred back for corrections and/or revision, or not approved. If the application is approved, an ethics clearance certificate will be issued within 14 days.

If corrections/revisions are required, researchers are encouraged to resubmit within 14 days.

My application was referred back for revision and resubmission?

The researcher will be provided with a report outlining the Committee’s findings, comments and suggestions for revision. Discuss the comments/suggestions with your supervisor (if relevant), and incorporate the Committee’s comments into your revised submission.

How do I obtain permission to conduct research that involve UNISA employees, students and data?

The Research Permission Subcommittee (RPSC) reviews applications to conduct research involving UNISA employees, students and data.

Before submitting an application for permission to conduct research using UNISA employees, students and data, ethics clearance must first be obtained.

After you have received your ethics clearance certificate, you may complete and submit the application form. Application forms are available from the Research Ethics and Integrity Advisor - Dr Marianne Engelbrecht:   engelm1@unisa.ac.za

Insert pamphlet on the ethics application process