Read all about the University of Malta Research Ethics Review Procedures found on the University Research Ethics Committee’s (UREC) website.
If you are a researcher (also referred to as applicant) follow the guidelines outlined in the University of Malta Research Code of Practice.
First download the full replica of the Ethics and Data Protection (E&DP) form to familiarise oneself with its contents and requirements.
A set of instructional videos have been set up for URECA to help the researcher understand the changes and how to fill in the form.
Click on URECA to access the system.
NOTE: Question 17 asks the following about cooperating institutions:
“If you need permission from a cooperating institution, do you require F/REC approval prior to approaching the institution?”
If FREC approval is required, Question 17 should be marked as ‘Yes/Unsure’ so that FREC can issue conditional approval (provided the application is acceptable overall). However, if FREC approval is not a prerequisite for institutional permission, this question can be marked as “No” and the cooperating institution may be contacted immediately after submission of the REDP form. In either case, data collection can only begin once the cooperating institution has granted permission for the research to proceed and evidence of their acceptance has been provided to FREC (whether for records or review).
FICT FREC works mostly through email and online interaction. This means that received applications are typically reviewed within a few days of receipt.
When submitting an online form, FICT FREC does its utmost to respond within 2 weeks. If you have submitted a form for review and have not received any feedback whatsoever, please alert FICT FREC by email (research-ethics.ict@um.edu.mt).
Please note that in the case of certain applications which may touch on sensitive issues, FREC may need to consult with UREC and/or other entities for advice. In such cases, approval may take longer than usual. Therefore, it is recommended that researchers submit their proposal as early as possible especially if their data collection may be of a sensitive nature, or involve vulnerable subjects.
Undergraduate students who need to submit their Final Year Project (FYP) in June are advised to have decided on which data they are going to use/collect, and submit their REDP application by the previous November.
All REDP issues should be discussed with your supervisor. The supervisor can then discuss any matters with any member of the FREC, especially those from the same department. Each department is represented by an academic member of staff on the committee.
Committee Members:
All submissions and correspondence to FREC should be done via email to: research-ethics.ict@um.edu.mt.