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 (currently on leave)
  • John Carroll
  • Paul Corcoran
  • Susan Nic Réamoinn 
  • Elizabeth Flanagan
  • 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 2026-2027

The submission deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year are:

  • 21st August 2026
  • 11th September 2026
  • 23rd October 2026
  • 27th November 2026
  • 8th January 2027
  • 12th February 2027
  • 5th March 2027
  • 9th April 2027
  • 14th May 2027
  • 11th June 2027

Dates for ordinary meetings of MERC for 2026-2027 academic year are as follows: 

  • 4th September 2026
  • 16th October 2026
  • 4th December 2026
  • 5th February 2027
  • 16th April 2027
  • 25th June 2027

The sub-committee meeting dates for 2026-2027 are as follows:

  • 25th September 2026
  • 13th November 2026
  • 11th December 2026
  • 22nd January 2027
  • 26th February 2027
  • 19th March 2027
  • 30th April 2027
  • 4th June 2027

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)