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 McDaid (Chair)
- Maja Haals Brosnan (Deputy Chair)
- Alison Egan
- Colleen Horn
- Genevieve Larkin
- Mira Dobutowitsch
- John Carroll
- Paul Corcoran
- Susan Nic Réamoinn
- Yvonne Naughton
- Fergus O'Dwyer
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 2025-2026
The submission deadlines for the 2025-2026 academic year are:
- 22nd August 2025
- 12th September 2025
- 24th October 2025
- 28th November 2025
- 9th January 2026
- 13th February 2026
- 6th March 2026
- 10th April 2026
- 15th May 2026
- 12th June 2026
Dates for ordinary meetings of MERC for 2025-2026 academic year are as follows:
- 5th September 2025
- 17th October 2025
- 5th December 2025
- 6th February 2026
- 17th April 2026
- 26th June 2026
The sub-committee meeting dates are as follows:
- 26th September 2025
- 14th November 2025
- 12th December 2025
- 23rd January 2026
- 27th February 2026
- 20th March 2026
- 1st May 2026
- 5th June 2026
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)