MERC (Marino Ethics in Research Committee)

About MERC

The Marino Ethics in Research Committee (MERC) is responsible for research ethics, governance, setting standards for research ethics scrutiny, defining mechanisms to deliver these standards, and overseeing and monitoring the effectiveness of such arrangements. All research ethics applications are submitted to MERC, which provides an independent review and outcome for the research project. The current members of the MERC are:

• Rory Mc Daid (Chair)
• Alison Egan
• Claire Dunne
• Colleen Horn
• Gene Mehigan
• Genevieve Larkin
• Maja Haals Brosnan
• Mira Dobutowitsch
• Suzy Macken 
• Susan Nic Réamoinn

MERC Functions

MERC acts on behalf of the Marino Institute of Education (MIE) Governing Body on matters within its remit. Its principal functions are:

• Oversight of policies and procedures related to research.
• Quality assurance including review and evaluation of research activities.
• Monitoring and assessment of ethics decisions.
• Support a culture of research integrity within MIE.

A sub-committee of the MERC will convene monthly between September and June to examine all submissions made within that month. This sub-committee will be comprised of the Chair and two rotating members of the MERC. According to the Terms of Reference, this committee will decide to:  

• Request amendments to the application for ethical approval.
• Grant ethical approval without need for referral to the MERC.
• Refer for a full review by the MERC.
• Arrange for sub-groups to consider specialist issues and bring forward recommendations to the MERC. These sub-groups will involve members of the MIE community with relevant expertise and experience.

MERC Meetings for Academic Year 2023-2024

Dates for ordinary meetings of MERC for 2023-2024 academic year are as follows: 

• 20th October 2023 
• 1st December 2023 
• 9th February 2024 
• 19th April 2024 
• 17th May 2024 
• 7th June 2024 

The sub-committee submission deadlines and meeting dates for 2023-2024 are:

When making an application to MERC, please follow the procedures as outlined in the ‘Procedure for Ethical Approval of Research Proposals’ document. A research reference number should be used on all correspondence related to your application. If you would like further details on the MERC, to discuss an application or request a research reference number please contact [email protected]  

MERC Files

The files below will assist you in submitting your application to MERC.

Digital Survey Tools
MERC Application for Ethical Approval in Research Proposals (English - PDF)
MERC Application for Ethical Approval in Research Proposals (English - Word Document)
Ethics in Research Application Form (Gaeilge - PDF)
Ethics in Research Application Form (Gaeilge - Word Document)
Ethics in Research Policy
Procedure for Ethical Approval of Research Proposals
Sample Research Consent Forms (Word Document)
Student Ethics in Research Committee Application Form (PDF)
Student Ethics in Research Committee Application Form (Word Doc)