Institute of Education London

Ethical approach

Ethical scrutiny of research, scientific integrity and good research governance are increasingly high-profile concerns to research funders and research organisations. Whilst these concerns are not limited to research involving human subjects, as a social science based institution, the Institute of Education takes its responsibilities in this area very seriously.

Following the adoption of a new policy on research ethics in June 2005, we have an established committee structure ensuring that our governance procedures are appropriate to our needs and those of our funders. All new staff and student research proposals at the Institute of Education are required to undergo an ethics review. A new Code of Practice for Responding to Complaints by Research Participants about the Ethical Conduct of Research was approved in June 2007. All our research is conducted with reference to the appropriate professional code of practice for social research (principally BERA, BPS or BSA).

While sound governance of research is clearly essential, we also expect the highest possible standards from our researchers. Our ethics review processes are explicitly designed in order to promote a reflective and proactive approach to research ethics.

Please contact the Research Ethics Coordinator if you have any questions related to our approach to research ethics.