Kindly note that we are currently dealing with an increased number of applications. Expect delays.
Researchers submitting their first application as from 1 October 2021 onwards are to follow the instructions on how to fill in the new URECA form.
Researchers who had already submitted an application/s during 2020-21 and is still not approved, are to use the link to the previous Google Form that was received with the PDF version of the REDP form.
Please note that if the FREC does not receive any communication from the applicant within 6 months from the application's being granted a "CONDITIONAL APPROVAL" or any other relevant review from UREC and the applicant having been notified of such, the application will be considered "WITHDRAWN" and will need to restart the review process anew.
FREC Members
Professor Anthony Serracino Inglott (Chair)
Dr Maresca Attard Pizzuto
Professor Christopher Barbara
Dr Karen Cassar
Professor Therese Hunter
Dr Myra Tilney
Professor Josanne Vassallo
Dr Mario Vassallo
Professor Janis Vella Szijj
Read all about the University of Malta Research Ethics Review Procedures found on the University Research Ethics Committee (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.
We also advise you to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available on the UREC website too.
First download the full replica of the Ethics and Data Protection (E&DP) form to familiarise oneself with its contents and requirements.
FREC guidelines
The sample information/consent documents available on this website are being provided for the guidance of UM researchers. They reflect the requirements of the UM’s Research Code of Practice on information to be provided when obtaining consent from research participants.
These samples are intended only for guidance and need to be adapted as necessary, according to the requirements of each specific study
Kindly also note that external applicants not UM Staff or UM Students are charged a fee (EUR 95) and the FREC should only process an application if the fee has been paid. A copy of the receipt is to be appended with the application when this is submitted to the FREC.'
Kindly note that applications will be reviewed by FREC once payment is received.
You can download the full replica of the Research Ethics and Data Protection (REDP) form to familiarise oneself with its contents and requirements. URECA form [PDF]
Fill in and submit the University Research Ethics Committee Application (URECA).
The URECA form consists of three sections:
For further guidance, have a look at the instructional videos.
Read these important notes carefully
[PDF]
When the digital form is marked as ‘For FREC Review’, applicants shall wait for ethical approval before starting the data collection.
It is not correct for researchers to state that UREC has reviewed/approved their study. UREC encourages the use of the following statement or something similar as this is general and covers all cases including those where no FREC review is necessary: 'This research is in conformity with the University of Malta’s Research Code of Practice and Research Ethics Review Procedures. If an application has been submitted for FREC review and approved, you may say that the research has received ethics approval.
Infringements of regulations and/or policies concerning ethics and data protection are matter for disciplinary action.
For any questions regarding any issue/s related to FREC please contact us via email.