Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I start my research before I submit or get approval from Campus Research Ethics Committee (CREC)?
A. No, the Committee will not consider an application for research which has already started before review and research should not start before receiving research ethics approval.
Q. How do I make an application to the Campus Research Ethics Committee?
A. Click here for application instructions.
Q. When should my application be submitted for review?
A. Staff and external applicants should submit applications at least two (2) months in advance and UWI students should submit applications at least one and a half (1 1/2) months prior to the proposed starting date of your research.
Q. Who needs to complete the CITI Ethics Course
A. All persons actively involved in the research should complete the course and submit completion certificates along with application forms, consent forms and data collection instruments.
Q. Are there any types of research that are exempt from ethical review?
A. Yes. But an official letter of Exemption must be granted from the Campus Research Ethics Committee prior to the start of data collection. Please read pages 11 to 12 of the UWI “Policies & Procedures of Research Ethics” for further details on what types of research qualify for exemption
Q. How do I apply for an Exemption of Review?
A. Complete an application form via the Research Ethics Module in UWIScholar. Click here for application instructions.
Q. Can I develop and use my own Consent Form for my research?
A. Yes, Please review the sample consent forms provided on the main website for guidance. You also have the option of completing a template Consent Form within the application portal.
Q. Can I request a waiver of written consent for participation in the research?
A. Yes, please complete the relevant sections in the application form 1. justifying the request for waiver of written consent along with 2. describing the process for verbal consent.
Q. How often does Campus Research Ethics Committee meet to review applications?
A. The Committee reviews applications as they are submitted. Please refer to the information under "Procedure for Review".
Q. What happens to applications that are submitted during the months when the Research Ethics Committee is on break?
A. Late submissions are reviewed at the beginning of the next semester.
Q. How will I be informed of the Committee’s decision regarding my application?
A. You can log into your UWIScholar account and check the 'status' of your application. Once approved, the approval letter will be made available within the application portal.
Q. If my application has been approved subject to amendment, how soon should I respond to the amendments?
A. You should respond to the amendments immediately. On resubmission, once all amendments have been satisfactorily addressed, you will receive a final letter of approval.
Q. What should I do if the original approval has expired or the research duration is more than a year?
A. The Committee normally gives approval for a maximum of one (1) year in the first instance. The Principal Investigator must apply for an Approval of Extension via the online ethics application portal. The application for Approval of Extension could be found directly below the approved application in your UWIScholar account.
Q. What should I do if I have made a change to the research protocols, questionnaires etc. after I received my approval letter?
A. Please make an application for Approval of Modification via the online ethics application portal. The application for Approval of Modification could be found directly below the approved application in your UWIScholar account.
