IEC appraisal of student research projects: slippery slope or ethical evolution?

Abstract

In some Institutions which have both a research and teaching role, research involving human subjects which is carried out by members of staff is subject to approval of an Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) but similar research conducted by students is not This paper argues that this is an understandable but unjustifiable omission. In order to facilitate the protection of participants in all research carried out in the name of an Institution, IECs should examine their responsibility for student projects and ensure that procedures are put in place to enable all such projects to undergo an adequate ethical review process.