General Purpose: The University Ethics Committee (UEC) promotes ethical approaches to research, teaching and other related institutional activities across UCC, and develops ethics governance, policy and strategy in these areas. The UEC advises Departments/Schools and Colleges on good practice in ethics and monitors and oversees relevant activities from an ethical perspective within the University. The Committee networks with professional bodies and other university ethics structures in Ireland and internationally in order to ensure that best practices, codes and structures are in place at UCC.

 The Committee shall consult with relevant University Officers as appropriate in relation to specific items and issues of potential significant impact to the University (particularly in relation to resources). 

Reports to: Academic Council

Terms of Reference:

1. Strategy and Policy

To bring forward for consideration by Academic Council:

a) Policy and procedures governing ethics in research and research conduct;
b) Proposals for the development of UCC’s ethics governance framework ensuring alignment with professional and statutory obligations;
c) Recommendations to ensure the effective operation of ethics governance structures at UCC;
d) Proposals to ensure institutional oversight of the University’s responsibilities relating to ethical conduct in research, teaching and related institutional activities;

2. Executive Functions

a) To grant ethical approval on behalf of UCC, or to delegate the granting of such approval;
b) To establish and oversee ethics sub-committees;
c) To co-ordinate training and raise awareness of ethics and good research conduct among staff and students.

3. Oversight Function

a) To grant ethical approval on behalf of UCC, or to delegate the granting of such approval;
b) To establish and oversee ethics sub-committees;
c) To co-ordinate training and raise awareness of ethics and good research conduct among staff and students.

4. Other business as required

UEC will

a) Report to Academic Council annually with additional reporting on specific matters as requested;
b) Advise Academic Council on such matters that Academic Council may refer to UEC from time to time;
c) Report to Governing Body annually.

Delegation of Authority

The UEC retains the overall responsibilities defined in its terms of reference as approved by Academic Council. The Committee will establish sub-committees to enable it to fulfil its remit.  The UEC may also establish working groups from time to time to assist in its work. The UEC, its sub-committees and working groups shall operate in accordance with the procedures set down in the Academic Council Committee Handbook.

The UEC has the following Sub Committees:

• Social Research Ethics Committee (SREC) Sub-committee
• Animal Experimentation Ethical Sub Committee (AEEC)
• Clinical Research Ethics Sub-committee (CREC)

Frequency of Meetings

The Committee shall meet four times per year or as directed by Academic Council.

Membership

Membership updated 18-09-2024

Approved by Academic Council 23^rd March 2012
Amended by Academic Council 19^th January 2018