Before you start your research, please read all about the University of Malta Research Ethics Review Procedures and follow the guidelines outlined in the University of Malta Research Code of Practice.

You are also advised to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available on the UREC website. FAQs are continuously updating so kindly check these on the FAQ website above. If your question is still unclear and you wish to  clarify kindly contact FREC.

The new URECA form can be accessed from here. Once you log-in, you will be able to fill the form, save it as a draft, submit it to FREC for records or for review, and upload any related documentation on the same page. There is no need to send any forms or documentation via email. Supervisors endorse the application from the same link, and researchers can view the status of their application from the same page.

UREC Poster [PDF]

FREC upcoming meetings 

Thurs, 6 November 2025  - for research ethics applications received by 23 October 2025
Thurs, 27 November 2025 - for research ethics applications received by 13 November 2025
Thurs, 12 February 2026 - for research ethics applications received by 29 January 2026
Thurs, 16 April 2026 - for research ethics applications received by 2 April 2026
Thurs, 28 May 2026 - for research ethics applications received by 14 May 2026
Thurs, 2 July 2026 - for research ethics applications received by 18 June 2026
Thurs, 24 September 2026 - for research ethics applications received by 10 September 2026

The supervisor’s endorsement is to reach the THEO FREC by the given deadlines, otherwise it will be considered as a late submission. Late submissions will be reviewed in subsequent FREC meetings.

It's good practice to make use of the sample documents, when uploading any attachments on the URECA form.

1. URECA Question 17: Cooperating institution -  Institutional permission should be obtained prior to receipt of FREC's approval; therefore, Q17 should be marked as "No" and proof of all relevant permissions should be submitted together with the REDP form. Failure to upload all necessary permissions will result in FREC granting provisional approval, subject to their submission.
2. Submission part 3 (applicable for Student Applicant Status only) - It is of utmost importance to attach the dissertation proposal as part of the attachments uploaded.
3. When the digital form is marked as ‘For FREC Review’, applicants shall wait for ethical approval before starting the data collection. 
4. 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.
5. ' Infringements of regulations and/or policies concerning ethics and data protection are matter for disciplinary action. 
6. For any questions or issues related to FREC please contact us ONLY via research-ethics.theology@um.edu.mt

Rev. Prof. Carl Mario Sultana (Chair)
Rev. Dr Carlo Calleja
Rev. Dr Jonathan Farrugia
Rev. Dr Mark Zammit
Rev. Dr Ray Zammit
Ms Christabel Cassar (FREC Secretary)