Abstract
The surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) research studies involving human participants in response to the pandemic has meant that research ethics committees across the world have been challenged to adapt their processes to meet demand while retaining high standards of review. Ethics review during this pandemic remains essential to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of research participants, however research ethics committees are now faced with new, and often complex, ethics considerations and logistical challenges. This Open Letter looks specifically at the Irish experience of establishing a national approach to research ethics review amidst a global pandemic. This represents Ireland's first National Research Ethics Committee, which provided the research community with an expedited and 'single national opinion' for ethics review for COVID-related research. The insights gleaned and lessons learned from the Irish experience may inform emergency responses to future pandemics or public health emergencies.
Highlights
This Open Letter looks at the Irish experience of establishing a national approach to research ethics review amidst a global pandemic
Overview In December 2019, a novel virus with pandemic potential was identified in Wuhan, China – severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)[1]
Anecdotal feedback from committee members found that the key motivations to participate in the NREC COVID-19 were to contribute to the national response, to enable Irish researchers and to ensure standards of ethics review during COVID-19
Summary
The Netherland’s Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects have adapted their processes to expedite ethics review of COVID-related research[13]. This adapted process prioritises vaccines but can be used for other intervention studies. Anecdotal feedback from committee members found that the key motivations to participate in the NREC COVID-19 were to contribute to the national response, to enable Irish researchers and to ensure standards of ethics review during COVID-19. Refining the scope during the NREC COVID-19 tenure led to some confusion in the research community and the local RECs. the agility of the Committee to adapt to the needs of the research environment is testament to the process.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
