Research Ethics Committee (REC) of the University of Montpellier
The Research Ethics Committee of the University of Montpellier was officially established on February 8, 2022. Its purpose is to reinforce the measures put in place by the University of Montpellier to promote awareness and application of ethical and professional principles in response to questions raised by scientific progress and its contemporary societal repercussions, regardless of the field of research.
The Research Ethics Committee of the University of Montpellier is responsible for providing ethical advice on research projects and protocols in all scientific fields, particularly those involving human subjects, elements of private life, and data relating to human subjects.
However, projects falling within the scope of Law No. 2012-300 of March 5, 2012, on research involving human subjects (known as the "Jardé Law") and its implementing decree No. 2016-1537 of November 16, 2016, and falling under Articles R.1121-1-1 and R.1121-1-2 of the Public Health Code defining research involving human subjects, are subject to the jurisdiction of the Committees for the Protection of Persons (CPP).
Procedures for referring matters to the UM Research Ethics Committee
1. Who can refer a case to the UM's CER?
Research project leaders who are employees of the University of Montpellier and the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie (National School of Chemistry) and any employee assigned to a research structure under the primary supervision of the University of Montpellier or the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie.
For users at the University of Montpellier and the National School of Chemistry, it is the scientific supervisor (internship supervisor, thesis director, HDR scientific advisor, etc.) who can submit the application to the UM's CER.
2. When should you enter the UM's CER?
The UM's CER must be consulted prior to the implementation of a project. It must be consulted approximately three to four weeks before the meeting is held.
3. How to enter the UM's CER?
The completed submission form must be sent by email.
Would you like to know more about referring a matter to the CER?
There are a few points to bear in mind when completing the form:
Use of data:
- Data storage (retention period, practical guarantees, identity of the person responsible)
- Data archiving procedures
- Clarification of the procedure for disseminating data to the public
Data confidentiality:
- Data anonymization process/method
- Data privacy management
- Application(s) used for data collection
Details about the project/study:
- Study start date
- Duration of the experiment
- Details on how the study will be conducted
- Order of magnitude of possible revenues
- Protocol based on the subjects of the experiment
- Maintenance Guide / Questionnaire
- Development of acronyms
Consent:
- More explicit consent
- Written consent of parents or guardians for minors under 15 years of age
- Provide the informed consent form
Fact sheet:
- Further information for participants
- Adapting information sheets to different audiences
- Indication of possible dangers of the study in the information leaflet
4. How long does it take for the UM's CER to respond?
Ethical advisory opinions are sent to project leaders within three weeks of the meeting.
Would you like to learn more about the responses provided by UM's CER?
The CER may issue several types of opinions:
- Favorable opinion
- Favorable opinion subject to requested changes*
- Unfavorable
- Notice of declaration of lack of jurisdiction
*The notice will specify any changes, clarifications, or documents to be provided regarding your research protocol.
To compile your amended file:
- You must highlight your responses to the requests made by the UM's CER in the submission form.
- Check the "amendment" box;
- Send it by email.
According to the CER's wording:
- "Approval by the dossier rapporteurs and Chair of the Research Ethics Committee": the dossier will be approved by the committee after receiving positive responses from the parties concerned.
- "Must be resubmitted to the Research Ethics Committee": the file will be re-examined by the Research Ethics Committee.
