Research Ethics Services
I have advised and consulted on research ethics for international organisations and leading researchers since 2014. Previously, I worked in academic research for 20 years with a focus on social science research on health and particular interests in blood and tissue banking and novel biotechnologies. I understand the pressures that come with successful research and enjoy supporting researchers to find proportionate ways forward when faced with ethical dilemmas or problems.
Independent research ethics advice
Supporting the Principal Investigator/ Coordinator with planning the ethical framework for the research, and reviewing how key ethical standards are applied throughout the project.
Pre-review services
I have extensive experience of pre-reviewing proposals and projects ahead of their submission to research ethics committees. This provides an opportunity to highlight any ethical concerns and plan measures to address these.
Scoping review of ethical issues
Providing an overview of what has already been published on ethical issues in relation to a focussed topic, to inform a proposal or publication.
Supporting research ethics committees
This may involve facilitating reflective practice in research ethics review, or reviewing processes.
Ethics work packages
Working collaboratively with the team drafting the text for the ethics Work Package in a proposal.
Consulting on research ethics policy and practice
This typically involves evaluating how an organisation’s research ecosystem supports ethical practice, and making recommendations for change.
About Helen Busby
If a project raises sensitive issues, entails innovative methodologies, or involves complex interventions, a research Ethics Advisor can help to navigate ethical requirements. This may be particularly important for research involving fieldwork in multiple countries.
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My main areas of ethical expertise are in social science – notably sociology, anthropology and innovative qualitative methods – and in health-related research ethics – especially for projects with a multidisciplinary approach.
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Learn more about my background, qualifications and how I can support your research.
My Publications
My edited book, Reframing Qualitative Research Ethics, explores contemporary challenges in qualitative research ethics and generates proposals for reforming ethics review based on researchers’ experience on the ground to support innovative qualitative research in the future.
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The book can be ordered online and pre-prints of the chapters which I authored/co-authored can be accessed free, here.
