Terms of Reference

Terms of reference

The Academic Ethics and Compliance Committee (AECC) has oversight of the University's ethical framework for the conduct of academic activity and its supporting governance structures, including but going beyond research ethics.

The AECC also oversees research-related compliance issues.

The AECC maintains oversight of the local level ethics committees and provides a first point of referral for complex issues raised by the latter.

The Committee has particular responsibilities to ensure that:

• The University’s supporting framework of regulations, strategies, policies, procedures and guidance in this area is robust and fit for purpose.
• Local Research Ethics Committees have the support required to deliver their duties fully and effectively, for example by access to training and support.

The Committee provides annual assurance to Senate via University Research Committee
(URC) regarding ethical and compliance matters.

The Committee will meet at least four times a year.

Read the full terms of reference.

Membership

Committee membership

• Professor Bryony Beresford, Social Policy Research Unit (Chair)

Ex officio members

• Dr Justine Daniels Associate Director of Operations, Research Innovation and Knowledge Exchange
• Mr Richard Fuller Assistant Director of IT
• Dr Duncan Jackson Head of Academic Quality and Development

Academic membership

• Dr Angela de Bruin, Psychology 
• Dr Nino Grillo, Language and Linguistic Science 
• Dr Anna Bramwell-Dicks, School of Arts and Creative Technologies
• Dr Cylcia Bolibaugh, Department of Education
• Professor Dawn Coverley, Biology
• Professor Mariana Lopez, Humanities Research Centre
• Dr Anna Einarsdottir, School for Business and Society
• Professor Tony Royle, School for Business and Society
• Dr Siamak Shahandashti, Computer Science

Lay member

• Pauline Painter, School governance professional; University Career Service (retired)

Student representation 

• Leon Corneille-Cowell

In attendance 

• Ms Jen Mayne Research Strategy and Policy Officer (Secretary)

Meeting Dates

Frequency of Meetings

Not less than four occasions each calendar year. Committee business may be considered by correspondence and in order to make written resolutions where there is an urgent need to do so.

2024

• Tuesday 8 October 2024
• Tuesday 10 December 2024

2025

• Tuesday 11 March 2025
• Tuesday 10 June 2025

Research Ethics Committees

Local Research Ethics Committees

Information on requirements for membership and terms of reference can be found in the Ethics Code of Practice.

• Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body

Contact AWERB: AWERB@york.ac.uk

• Archaeology

Chair: Dr James Taylor

• Arts and Humanities - comprising English, History of Art, History and Philosophy

Chair: Professor Mariana Lopez

• Arts and Creative Technologies - comprising Music and Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media

Chair: Dr Mimi O'Neill

• Biology

Chair: Dr Michelle Hawkins

• Economics, Law, Management, Politics and Sociology

Chair: Professor Tony Royle

• Education

Chair: Dr Cylcia Bolibaugh

• Environment and Geography

Chair: Dr Eleanor Jew

• Health Sciences

Chair: Professor Stephen Holland

• HYMS

Chair: Professor Thozhukat Sathyapalan

• Languages and Linguistics

Chair: Simon Roessig

• Physical Sciences - comprising Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Mathematics and Physics

Co-Chair: Dr Siamak Shahandashti

Co-Chair: Dr. Kanapathippillai Cumanan

• Professional Services Research Ethics Committee

      Chair: Dr Angela de Bruin  

      Contact: prof-serv-rec@york.ac.uk 

• Psychology

Chair: Dr Angela de Bruin 

• Social Policy and Social Work

Chair: Professor Bryony Beresford

• York Neuroimaging Centre (YNiC) Research

Chair: Dr Fiona McNab

Agendas and Minutes

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

2024-25

2023-24

2022-23

2021-22

2020-21