Research Ethics Consults
The Research Ethics Consutation service (RECs) is here to assist you in figuring out the best course of action for you. Either team-based or one-on-one RECs are available.
Although RECs are discreet, please be aware that certain disclosures of information require mandatory reporting as required by laws or University policy. You should be familiar with the mandatory requirements and best practices before requesting a consultation. Detailed information is available at SafeU website.
What are RECs
Research Ethics Consults (RECs) are discreet, informal and advisory—never dictatorial—sessions during which any clinical, scientific, or other researcher here at the U can get team-based (or one-on-one, if preferred) moral aid in perplexing research situations.
When requested, REC teams are hand-selected to provide the needed ethical, institutional, legal and / or scientific expertise. Medical doctors and clinicians are often used to having a team of advisors, experts, and counselors to assist on difficult cases. Here at the U, everyone conducting research has support like that available to them.
Ethical Principles
All RECs performed at the University of Utah are guided by a commitment to three core principles.
-
Discreet
Only REC requestors (and their team, if formed) know the details of a consult. -
Informal
No formal review or investigation processes are initiated by a REC. -
Advisory
Research Ethics Consults are advisory, not dicatatorial. RECs produce recommendations, not orders.
Common Issues
Your research practice or scholarly activity might raise questions about authorship, collaboration, data management, enrollment, professional climate or conduct, publicity, privacy, return of results, and more.
You might have questions about informed consent, research and industry relationships, assessment of risks and benefits, or other aspects of study design—such as subject recruitment, selection, and participation.
Regardless of the issue, RECs are available as a resource for you.
CONTACT Recs@UTAH.EDU TO INQUIRE ABOUT A CONSULT
Introduction
The University of Utah Vice President for Research created RECS in 2020 and sponsors the services as an informal resource to the University research community.
Mission
The purpose of RECS is to provide individuals and research teams with an opportunity to discuss ethical issues or concerns about aspects of research in a discrete informal setting.
Scope
RECS can be used to help identify or generate options, to resolve disputes (conflict management) or to assist in identifying best practices for research (advisory).
There must be a research component identified with the issue or concern to be addressed by RECS. In situations where there is no direct research component, individuals may be referred to other offices or units for assistance.
Constituents
RECS are available free of charge to all who are involved or have been involved in research at the University of Utah, including faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, trainees, students, research participants, etc.
Consultants
Consultants are selected for RECS based on areas of research expertise and experience with research ethics.
Consultants may initiate informal inquiries within the University to help resolve situations that arise through RECS.
Consultants may recuse themselves from a case at any time and for any reason. Consultants are not required to disclose their reason(s) for recusal.
Consultants are expected to avoid involvement in situations where there is a conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest including but not limited to personal or other relationships with a party involved in the consultation that could interfere with the consultant’s ability to fairly evaluate the situation and provide guidance. Potential financial conflicts of interest must be reported to the University Conflict of Interest Office for evaluation.
Core Principals
Confidentiality RECS sessions are discrete, but not entirely confidential. Activities for which mandatory reporting is required by law or University policy must be reported to the appropriate authorities/offices. For more information, please review the University Reporting Requirements and Best Practices.
Impartiality For cases involving conflict or disputes between individuals, consultants will seek to remain impartial.
Informality RECS do not have established formal processes or required formal records. Participation in RECS is voluntary and cannot be compelled under any circumstances. Individuals can withdraw from participating in RECS at any time.
Independence RECS operate independently from other units at the University and only report findings as anonymized trends to the Vice President for Research.
Limitations
Consultants will not engage in formal processes or investigations as part of RECS. Consultants have no authority to investigate, adjudicate, sanction, bind, or enforce.
Consultants do not provide professional counseling, such as mental health counseling, legal or medical advice, or any other advice that is provided by a licensed professional.
Non-Retaliation
Constituents have the right to engage in RECS without reprisal. Retribution or retaliation for utilizing RECS or withdrawing from RECS should be reported to the Associate Vice President for Research Integrity and Compliance.
Clinical Research Ethics Consultation Collaborative (CRECC)
A national network that discusses challenging cases and shares consultation practice approaches to promote ethical clinical research.
RECs are practiced nation-wide:
- By a consortium of trained professionals
- According to shared ethical standards
- In a tradition continuous with that of clinical ethics consults
Modal Heading
Research Ethics Consults (RECs) are discreet, informal and advisory—never dictatorial—sessions during which any clinical, scientific, or other researcher here at the U can get team-based (or one-on-one, if preferred) moral aid in perplexing research situations.
When requested, REC teams are hand-selected to provide the needed ethical, institutional, legal and / or scientific expertise. Medical doctors and clinicians are often used to having a team of advisors, experts, and counselors to assist on difficult cases. Here at the U, everyone conducting research has support like that available to them.
All RECs performed at the University of Utah are guided by a commitment to three core
principles.
-
Discreet
Only REC requestors (and their team, if formed) know the details of a consult. -
Informal
No formal review or investigation processes are initiated by a REC. -
Advisory
Research Ethics Consults are advisory, not dicatatorial. RECs produce recommendations, not orders.
Your research practice or scholarly activity might raise questions about authorship, collaboration, data management, enrollment, professional climate or conduct, publicity, privacy, return of results, and more.
You might have questions about informed consent, research and industry relationships, assessment of risks and benefits, or other aspects of study design—such as subject recruitment, selection, and participation.
Regardless of the issue, RECs are available as a resource for you.