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Faculty Research Ethics and Governance Committee

Conducting research in international settings

The decision as to whether research is to be conducted abroad is ultimately the responsibility of the head of school

The decision is made on the assessment of risk to the researcher and the potential participants and whether such risk is covered by the university's insurance. Risk would be assessed by the Health and Safety Office and would be based upon assessment of the context in which the proposed research is to take place and the planned activities.

All proposed research to be undertaken abroad should be reviewed by the head of school prior to submission to FREGC. The head of school would initiate a review by the Health and Safety Office under the following circumstances:

  1. The proposed research is to take place in countries which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has deemed unsafe to visit (even if this is the home country of an international student)
  2. The vulnerability of the researcher or the researched is considered moderate to high risk
  3. The sensitivity of the research subject is enhanced by the cultural context of the proposed fieldwork
  4. Where pathways through local ethical and governance committees or their equivalent can not be identified

The research will not be approved if:

The competence of the researcher to undertake the proposed research cannot be demonstrated and where uncertainty remains that potential risks are not adequately addressed.

If research is to be undertaken abroad the student/researcher will have to identify the following:

  1. The name of a nominated supervisor in the locality who can oversee the student's work
  2. The individual might be identified from the NGO or charity organisation. The student should identify the potential local supervisor, but the University of Brighton supervisor has to be confident the local supervisor is competent to undertake this role. A CV of the proposed local supervisor should be attached to the FREGC application form.
  3. The students should supply a CV identifying their research training and experience related to the chosen data collection method in support of their claim of competence to undertake fieldwork without the direct supervision of an experienced researcher (supervisor) or named nominee.

In addition the supervisor would have to sign a declaration confirming they:

  • have assessed the application and agree that the risks to the student and the University of Brighton are minimal
  • fully support the proposed field work which they consider to be of a suitable level for the academic award
  • are confident the proposed nominee or site supervisor (based n the international locality) can ensure due governance of the proposed research