Research Ethics at RAND Europe

RAND Europe is committed to ethical research practices. It has an institutional research ethics committee, the RAND Europe Research Ethics Committee (RE-REC), which is responsible for ensuring that all research involving RAND Europe staff is conducted in line with our organisational research ethics policies.

The RE-REC operates in accordance with guidance set out by the Economics and Social Research Council and the United Kingdom Research Integrity Office. The RE-REC is composed of an external chair and up to nine RAND Europe employees, representing its research groups and operational function.

Remit of the RE-REC

  1. Review the details of any proposed research to be carried out involving human participants by members of the RAND Europe staff, not otherwise undergoing ethics review by a suitable, external ethics committee.
  2. Consider such research on behalf of RAND Europe and to issue an independent and objective opinion on whether the research meets the standards for good practices in research ethics.
  3. Following the issuance of a ‘favourable opinion’, monitor the progress of ongoing research and exercise powers to require the halting of research if issues, such as adverse events or protocol or integrity breeches, arise until any such issues have been remedied to the satisfaction of the RE-REC.
  4. Provide continuous consultation on ethical issues related to prospective or active projects for RAND Europe staff.

RE-REC processes

For all research projects involving human participants at RAND Europe, the RE-REC provides an initial assessment of risk, followed by a proportionate review (for low-risk research) and full-board review for high-risk research. Proportionate reviews involve a sub-committee of three members of the RE-REC and full-board reviews involve a quorum of the full ten-member committee. The RE-REC meets monthly to discuss research classified as high risk.

RAND Europe research ethics principles

1. Minimise harm and maximise good

  • In alignment with RAND's mission, research is designed, conducted and disseminated with the aim of benefiting the public good (directly or by virtue of contribution to scientific progress).
  • Careful thought is given to the potential outcomes of research and how the findings might be used.
  • Steps are taken to help protect the physical, social and psychological well-being of individual research participants (and the wider social groups or organisations to which they belong) and researchers.
  • Researchers anticipate and guard against any possible harmful consequences (to participants and researchers) of the conduct or participation in research.
  • Where there is a high potential risk of distress, the information is clearly needed and cannot be obtained by other means.
  • Where risks to participants and/or researchers are unavoidable as part of the research, robust risk assessment and management procedures are in place (including how the researcher will respond to signs of distress and the provision of, or signposting to, post-participation support).
  • The impact of the research on non-participating members of the target group is considered.

2. Ensure that research participants give informed consent to their participation, and are aware that participation is voluntary and of their right to withdraw

  • Individuals give consent to participate in research based on an appropriate understanding of the aims of the research, their role in it, and any anticipated risks or consequences stemming from their participation. Informed consent records are kept as needed according to standards of practice.
  • Information about the study and the way it is communicated is tailored to the needs of the participants in the particular research context.
  • Individuals are informed and understand that participation is voluntary, and that they have the right to refuse to take part, or to withdraw from the research process at any point, without giving a reason.
  • Potential participants are not pressured or coerced to take part in research.

3. Ensure participants' choices with regards to anonymity and confidentiality are respected

  • Participants are informed about, and understand, how their data will be used, including whether they might be identifiable in publications, and stored. Participants' choices regarding data use are respected.
  • Measures are taken to ensure confidentiality, privacy and data protection during and beyond the end of the project (in line with the RAND Europe Data Protection and Data Retention policies).
  • Researchers are aware that the processing of any information relating to an identifiable living individual is subject to the provisions of the relevant data protection legislation; in particular the Data Protection Act 2018 in the UK, and the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) in the EU and take appropriate measures to comply, as well as any other relevant local regulations where the research is taking place.

4. Ensure the integrity and quality of research

  • Researchers use appropriate research design, theoretical/analytical frameworks and method selection to ensure that findings are robust and defensible.
  • Researchers have sufficient knowledge (and receive training where necessary) to ensure methods are used appropriately and to effectively supervise tasks that others perform (including sub-contractors).
  • Data and primary materials are properly managed and preserved (keeping clear and accurate records of the research procedures and the results, ensuring security and accessibility, following appropriate policies and legislation).
  • Researchers endeavour to avoid fabrication, falsification, plagiarism and misrepresentation. Researchers fully acknowledge debts to previous research.

5. Uphold transparency and accountability in research practices

  • Methodology and findings are open for independent peer review.
  • Researchers foster exchange of ideas and are as open as possible in discussing their work with other researchers, the public and research users.
  • Wherever possible, findings are made publicly available in a timely manner (through publication of public facing reports, publications in academic journals and wider dissemination to policy-makers and the public).

6. Ensure equity of opportunity to participate in research

  • Research does not systematically select or exclude any groups/individuals other than for reasons directly related to the issue being studied.
  • Research does not unduly involve persons from groups unlikely to be among the beneficiaries of subsequent applications of the research.
  • Researchers show consideration for who ought to receive the benefits of the research and bear its burdens.

For more information

RAND Europe staff should visit the RE-REC page on the intranet.

If you are funder or collaborator or otherwise interested in RAND Europe’s research ethics policies and practices, please reach out directly to the RE-REC at researchethics@randeurope.org