An HSC Research Ethics Committee (HSC REC) is an independent committee of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), whose task is to consider the ethics of proposed research projects which will involve human subjects, their tissue or data and which will take place, generally, within the Health and Social Care (HSC) System. The key duty of an HSC REC is to protect the interests of all research participants.

New ethical review arrangements for research involving human subjects, tissue or data are being introduced in Northern Ireland to comply with the requirements of the European Union Directive on Clinical Trials as transposed by the UK Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004. Full compliance is required from 1st May 2004.

This PDF document provides information on the process for application.
Please note that the address and telephone number given in this document are now out of date, as ORECNI moved premises in March 2006.
The correct telephone number is: 028 92603107
The correct address for applications is: ORECNI Office Suite 3, Lisburn Square House 1-4 Haslems Lane Lisburn BT28 1TW

An applicant intending to submit an application for ethical review should first go through the appropriate research governance procedures in the HSC Trust(s) or University, obtain evidence of sponsorship, complete the online application form, and then contact ORECNI, in order to:

1. Seek advice on the correct allocation of the application.

2. Book an agenda slot at the next meeting of an HSC REC.

3. Obtain the REC Reference Number for the application, which should be entered on the application form prior to the submission of the form both electronically and in hard copy form.

4. Agree the date for receipt of the application.