MERC (Marino Ethics in Research Committee) - Marino Institute of Education

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)
Maja Haals Brosnan (Deputy Chair)
Alison Egan
Claire Dunne
Colleen Horn
Genevieve Larkin
Mira Dobutowitsch
Suzy Macken
John Carroll
Paul Corcoran
Susan Nic Réamoinn (On leave)

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 Submission Deadlines and Meetings for Academic Year 2024-2025

The submission deadlines for the 2024-2025 academic year are:

23rd August 2024
13th September 2024
25th October 2024
29th November 2024
10th January 2025
14th February 2025
7th March 2025
11th April 2025
16th May 2025
13th June 2025

Dates for ordinary meetings of MERC for 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:

6th September 2024
18th October 2024
6th December 2024
7th February 2025
11th April 2024
27th June 2025

The sub-committee meeting dates are as follows:

27th September 2024
15th November 2024
13th December 2024
24th January 2025
28th February 2025
21st March 2025
2nd May 2025
6th June 2025

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 to 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)