The University of Malta recognises its responsibility to researchers and the wider community to ensure that the highest standards of integrity and professionalism are observed in the conduct of research at the University.
The University’s Research Ethics Code of Practice and Procedures [PDF] (approved by Senate on 23 April 2026), provides guiding principles and standards of good practice in research across all subject disciplines and areas of study at UM, and lays out the procedure to be followed for the review of ethics in research.
The 'Research Ethics Code of Practice and Procedures' supersedes two previous documents, titled 'Research Code of Practice' and 'Research Ethics Review Procedures' (originally approved by Senate on 20 September 2017 and amended on 21 March 2019).
University of Malta staff, students, or anyone else planning to carry out research under the auspices of the University, must complete the application on URECA.
Ahead of completing the form on URECA, please refer to the relevant Frequently Asked Questions.
**Note** There is a full replica [Word] of the form which can be downloaded. Use this to become familiar with the format and requirements before beginning your application.
The form on URECA guides applicants through 3 parts:
In part 2, the detailed evaluation questions will be shown only to applicants who flag an issue in the self-assessment checklist. In such cases, applicants must elaborate on the issue flagged and seek FREC permission prior to data collection. In all other cases, applicants must submit the form to FREC for filing and audit purposes, and may commence research directly.
Send any feedback on this form to UREC.
UM's Research Ethics Code of Practice and Procedures [PDF], apply to all those undertaking research on the University’s premises using its facilities, or on behalf of the University, including staff, students, visiting or affiliate staff, associates, contractors and consultants. However, the University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) also provides ethics and data protection reviews to non-University of Malta applicants, including commercial entities.
Such external applicants need to contact UREC via email. They will be assigned credentials which they can use to fill in the form on URECA and submit this, together any ancillary documentation, to the appropriate Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC/REC) depending on the area of research, clearly indicating that this is an external application. Refer to the list of FRECs.
A non-refundable fee is charged for this service as follows:
Non-commercial applicants may pay using the online form. A copy of the receipt is to be appended with the application when this is submitted to the FREC.