Formal advice from the ethics committee in the social sciences
iacchos | Louvain-la-Neuve
Request a formal opinion from the ethics committee
Independently of the possibility of consulting the ethics committee on questions of research ethics, it is sometimes necessary to have a formal opinion from the ethics committee about a research project. This opinion is sometimes required by research funding bodies (such as the FNRS) before the research begins.
Reflexive ethics and dialogue
The ethics committee adopts a reflexive approach: it is not just a question of evaluating a dossier, but also of supporting shared ethical reflection.
Obtaining a formal opinion
1. Choose the right form
- If your funder imposes a form (e.g. FNRS), use it.
- If no document is required, use the ethics committee's form (download | Word document).
2. Prepare the appendices to be attached
Depending on the case, your file should include :
- a consent form,
- a participant information document,
- any other relevant information related to your research.
3. Send the complete file to
Send all documents to the chairman of the ethics committee by e-mail.
4. File analysis and meeting
- Your file is usually analyzed in less than a month.
- You will be invited to meet one or more members of the committee.
5. Possibility of modifying the file
Following this exchange, you can adjust your file if necessary.
The last file received will serve as the basis for issuing the formal notice, which will be archived with it by the committee.
Find out what the committee looks at in your file
Evolving research, ongoing ethics
The committee's opinion concerns your project before it is launched. However, social science research often evolves along the way.
The committee understands this: tools and approaches can change. In the event of a major change, particularly in terms of ethics, please plan to submit a new application.