Our framework for the conduct of ethical research. Image The University of Edinburgh’s fundamental mission is the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and understanding.The School of History, Classics and Archaeology is committed to ensuring that all research activities undertaken by the members of the school (including all academics, undergraduates, postgraduates, visiting scholars, research staff and academic staff) are in line with the principles of research ethics and maintain the highest standards of research integrity. Research Integrity means conducting research in a way that allows others to have confidence and trust in the methods and the findings of the research. It relates to the scientific integrity of conducted research and to the professional integrity of researchers. Key elements of Research Integrity include, but are not limited to: Honesty Rigour Transparency and open communication The care and respect of all participants Accountability Research Ethics is a key criterion of research integrity. Research Ethical Principles and Values include, but are not limited to: Commitments described in the University Research Ethics Policy: beneficence and non-maleficence; integrity, openness and transparency; dignity and respect; responsibility and accountability; and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Safeguarding of Voluntary and Informed Consent Safeguarding of the Right to Withdraw Awareness of legal requirements Safeguarding the right to privacy General Data Protection Regulation GDPR) Policies and Procedures The University of Edinburgh’s Research Ethics Policy follows the principles outlined in the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Code of Practice for Research and the Universities UK (UUK) Concordat to Support Research Integrity. The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) has also developed the College Research Ethics Framework (CREF) and the College Research Integrity Framework (CRIF). In the academic year 2023/2024, the School Research Ethics Committee has revised the Research Ethics procedures to ensure proper ethical review and accountability. Everyone should consider any ethical issues arising from their work and seek to address these concerns. Common Ethical Issues at the School of History, Classics and Archaeology Research involving living human participants, including but not limited to oral history interviews, questionnaires, surveys, participant observation, focus groups and archival research about living individuals Research using sensitive material or in sensitive contexts, including but not limited to objects and/or collections as well as intangibles such as narratives, songs, oral histories that has special symbolic, social, or political significance for some people Data protection responsibilities Studies involving human tissue and/or remains Studies involving animal tissue and/or remains Research using materials acquired through the illegal means Surveillance, included but not limited to aerial photographs and satellite images This article was published on 2024-08-01
