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​Request for Research in Schools, Institutes or Organisations

Terms of Reference

Authorisation to conduct research within Schools, Institutes, or Organisations under the Ministry for Education and Sport (MES) must be obtained from the Ministry Research Ethics Committee (MREC) within the Education Strategy and Quality Assurance Department. A soft copy of this authorisation must then be submitted to the Head of the respective School, Institute, or Organisation where the research will take place.

  1. Researchers are to conform to the principles of ethical research conduct as specified in the Research Ethics Policy and Procedures
  2. Research work is carried out at the discretion of the Head of School, Institution, or Organisation, and is subject to their conditions.
  3. MREC reserves the right to withdraw the permission to carry out the research at any time and without prior notice.
  4. The researcher must obtain approval to conduct the research from the respective Higher Educational Institution Ethics Committee.
  5. Questions of an offensive, prejudiced, or otherwise unethical nature are not permissible.
  6. MREC procedures align with the Data Protection Act to safeguard the rights of the research subjects.
  7. Upon completion of the research work, the researcher must provide a soft copy of the research findings to the MREC, as well as to the Head of School, Institution, or Organisation where the research was conducted.

How to Apply

  1. Please complete and submit the Request for Research online application form, available here. Kindly ensure that trial or duplicate applications are not submitted.  
  2. Upon submission of the application, you are to send an email to [email protected] attaching ALL the required supporting documentation listed below. 
  3. In your email submission, kindly ensure that you clearly indicate your name and surname, as well as the date of application.
  4. MREC will acknowledge your submission and issue a reference number. This reference number must be quoted in all subsequent correspondence with MREC. 

Supporting Documents

Kindly ensure that all the required supporting documentation is attached to the email  submitted to MREC following the completion of the application. Templates for the forms are provided below and include a guidance on how to complete the different sections. Detailed information of the content and requirements  of each document may also be found in the Ministry Research Ethics Policy and Procedures.

  1. Information Letter and Request for Permission to carry out Research addressed to the Head of School, Institution or Organisation.
  2. Informed Consent Form for Research Involving Adult Participants. (Maltese and English versions are required when these are intended for use with parents)
  3. Informed Consent Form for Research involving Legally Responsible Parents/Guardians of Minors. (Maltese and English versions)
  4. Informed Assent Form Template for Research with Children Minors. (Maltese and English versions)
  5. The completed self-assessment form. Please submit this form even if you do not select any of the “Yes” or “Unsure” options.
  6. A copy of the questionnaire, interview questions and /or any other data collection instruments to be used in the study. (Maltese and English versions must be provided where these are intended for use with parents or guardians and/or minors)
  7. Evidence of Licence and/or permission to use research tools (e.g., standardised tests) where applicable.
  8. Ethical Clearance from the Ethics Review Board of the respective institution. 

The process for the approval of the research may take up to four (4) weeks.  Failure to provide these documents and the necessary information risks delaying approval to proceed with the research, and the 4-week period can no longer be guaranteed.

Upon approval of the research study, you will receive an email with the official authorisation. The same email will be forwarded to the schools, institutions, or organisations where the research will take place. Any changes in the sample or content of the study must be communicated to the MREC for further review.

For further clarification, you are kindly requested to contact [email protected].

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