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Research ethics

It is the University's policy that all of our research must be conducted in accordance with the University's Research Ethics Principles, Professional Codes of Practice and the law.

Research ethics and governance policies and guidance

The University of Sunderland Code of Good Research Practice sets out the standard for conduct expected of all staff, students, and others associated with the University (i.e. including visiting researchers, emeritus staff, associates, honorary or clinical contract holders, contractors, and consultants) who are involved in or who support our research (‘researchers’) in, or for, the University while they are doing so.

The University is fully committed to advancing high-quality academic research and ensuring that all research activities undertaken by University employees, or on University premises, are done in a way that safeguards the dignity, rights, health, safety, freedom of expression, and privacy of those involved. This commitment extends to participants, researchers, students, and third parties. Find out more about our research ethics process.

To facilitate this the University has developed this policy which is to be applied alongside the University’s Code of Practice for Research and other associated policies, guidance, and processes.

Please note, these policies are effective from 1 June 2025 unless otherwise stated.

A-Z of policies and guidance