Launch of UCL's new research ethics system, ethics@ucl

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) is launching a new web-based research ethics application system, ethics@ucl, on Monday 21 October 2024. This marks a key milestone in delivering on our strategic commitment to reform research ethics at UCL. 

Developed in partnership with Infonetica, ethics@ucl has been designed to meet the needs of our research community through an improved user experience for staff and students. With an intuitive interface and automated workflows, the new system provides applicants with a clear and efficient way to monitor the progress of their applications, modernising the way research ethics applications are processed at UCL and reducing the administrative burden when setting up new research initiatives. 

The system will be implemented in 3 phases. This first phase will include all high- and low-risk applications submitted centrally to our Research Ethics Service and the following 5 early adopter Local Research Ethics Committees (LRECs): 

• Institute of Risk and Disaster Reduction (Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences) 
• School of Sustainable Construction (The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment) 
• Psychology and Language Sciences (Faculty of Brain Sciences) 
• Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (Faculty of Engineering Sciences) 
• School of Management (Faculty of Engineering Sciences)

All other LRECs will continue with their existing processes for low-risk ethics review and will be onboarded in subsequent phases taking place in January and September 2025.

Where can I find further information?

Visit our Reforming Research Ethics at UCL webpages for further information about the new ethics@ucl system.  

All application and review queries should continue to be directed to the RIS Research Ethics Service at ethics@ucl.ac.uk.