CHANGER Policy Brief: Towards a future-proof ethics review in a changing research landscape

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What is this about?

This policy brief, developed as part of the CHANGER project, explores how research ethics review systems need to evolve to keep pace with emerging technologies and changing research practices. It identifies key challenges—such as limited expertise, lack of coordination, and outdated review models—and proposes practical recommendations to strengthen Research Ethics Committees (RECs).

The brief promotes a shift from one-time, compliance-based ethics reviews to a more continuous, supportive approach, embedding “ethics-by-design” and fostering collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge exchange across the research lifecycle.

Why is this important?

Ethics review is essential for maintaining trust in science and ensuring that research respects ethical standards and human rights. However, rapid technological advances and new research practices are challenging existing ethics systems.

This brief is important because it provides actionable guidance to modernise ethics review, making it more responsive, inclusive, and effective—ultimately improving research quality while strengthening public trust in science.

For whom is this important?

Research Ethics Committee MemberResearchers, Research Ethics Committee MemberResearch Ethics ExpertResearch Integrity OfficerResearchersResearch Performing OrganizationSenior Researcher

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