If you are a researcher planning to submit an application to a National Research Ethics Committee (NREC), this section of the website provides a range of resources to guide you through the process.

Who should apply to a NREC?

NRECs have the remit to review ethics applications for research studies that are regulated under legislation: currently these areas are limited to clinical trials on investigational medicinal products, clinical investigations of medical devices and performance studies of in vitro diagnostic medical devices.  

If you are planning to carry out regulated research in Ireland in an area under the NREC’s remit, you should submit your ethics application to the NREC in question.

NOTE: For all clinical trials on investigational medicinal products, being conducted uder the Clinical Trials Regulation, applicaitons must be submitted through CTIS

For all other research studies, you should apply for ethics approval through your local or institutional REC.

If you are unsure of whether your study requires NREC approval, please contact the National Office or your local or institutional REC for guidance.

What does an application involve?

Each NREC has a defined application procedure. Visit the page for the NREC you wish to apply to in order to find out more:

• NREC for Clinical Trials
• NREC for Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices

Before submitting an application to the NREC(s), researchers should always consult with their Research Office or institutional equivalent to ensure the correct permissions are in place to conduct the work locally. It should also be noted that researchers should ensure that in addition to REC approvals, they have the entirety of approvals required for their study – including from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and Health Research Consent Declaration Committee (HRCDC) where necessary – before initiating any human health research.