Research Ethics Committee (CER) of the University of Montpellier
The University of Montpellier’s Research Ethics Committee was officially established on February 8, 2022. Its goal is to strengthen the measures put in place by the University of Montpellier to promote awareness and adherence to ethical and professional principles in response to the questions raised by scientific progress and its contemporary societal implications, regardless of the field of research.
The Research Ethics Committee of the University of Montpellier is responsible for providing advisory opinions on research projects and protocols in all scientific fields, particularly those involving human subjects, matters of privacy, 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, for their part, subject to the jurisdiction of the Human Subjects Protection Committees (CPP).
Procedures for Submitting Matters to the Research Ethics Committee of theUM
1. Who can file a complaint with the CER of the “UM ”?
Research project leaders who are employees of the University of Montpellier and the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie, as well as any employee assigned to a research unit primarily supervised by the University of Montpellier or the École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie.
For students at the University of Montpellier and the National School of Chemistry, it is the academic advisor (internship supervisor, thesis advisor, HDR academic advisor, etc.) who may submit a request to the CER at theUM.
2. When should you enter the CER for the “UM ”?
A matter must be referred to the Regional Economic Council (CER) of theUM prior to the implementation of a project. It must be submitted approximately three to four weeks before the meeting is held.
3. How do you enter the CER for the “UM ”?
The completed submission form must be sent by email.
Would you like to learn more about submitting a case to the CER?
There are a few things to keep in mind when filling out the form:
Use of Data:
- Data Storage (Retention Periods, Practical Safeguards, Identity of the Data Controller)
- Data Archiving Procedures
- Clarification of the Procedure for Releasing Data to the Public
Data Privacy:
- Data anonymization process/method
- Data Privacy Management
- Application(s) used for data collection
Details about the project/study:
- Study Start Date
- Duration of the pilot program
- Details on the study protocol
- Order of magnitude of potential income
- Protocol Based on the Experiment's Subjects
- Maintenance Guide / Questionnaire
- Explanation of Acronyms
Consent:
- More explicit consent
- Written consent from those with parental authority for minors under the age of 15
- Provide the informed consent form
Fact Sheet:
- Additional Information for Participants
- Tailoring the fact sheets to different audiences
- Disclosure of Potential Risks Associated with the Study in the Patient Information Leaflet
4. How long does it take for theUM ’s CER to respond?
Advisory ethical opinions are sent to project sponsors within three weeks after the meeting is held.
Would you like to learn more about the solutions provided by the CER at theUM ?
The CER may issue several types of opinions:
- Favorable opinion
- Favorable opinion, subject to a request for changes*
- Unfavorable
- Notice of Declaration of Lack of Jurisdiction
*The notice will specify any changes, clarifications, or documents you need to provide regarding your research protocol.
To prepare your amended application:
- In the submission form, you must clearly indicate your responses to the requests made by the CER of theUM ;
- Check the “amendment” box;
- Send it by email.
According to the CER's wording:
- “Approval of the report’s reviewers and the Chair of the Research Ethics Committee”: The report will be approved by the executive committee after receiving positive responses from the relevant parties.
- “Must be resubmitted to the Research Ethics Committee”: The application will be reviewed again by the Research Ethics Committee.
