Working in scientific research for an educational facility can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get the chance to work on something you are passionate about, but you also have the chance to shape minds and grow interest in the subject for future innovation.
However, as with all experimental work, there are several legal considerations to ensure you are abiding by. Here are some of those considerations as well as how you can navigate them effectively.
Understand the regulatory framework
There is a significant amount of legal framework that supports scientific research, so it is important to familiarise yourself with it. One of the key laws is the Human Tissue Act 2004 which outlines the acceptable procedures for the storage, transportation and disposal of human organs and bodies.
Another piece of legislation to be aware of is the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Although the UK has banned testing on animals in many industries, there are still scenarios where it is permitted and heavily regulated.
Obtain necessary ethical approvals
Ethical issues are a huge part of scientific research, so it is key that you seek appropriate approval at every stage.
This may involve contacting bodies such as the Research Ethics Committees especially if you are planning on using human participants at any stage.
It is worth remembering that ethical clearance is a legal requirement for any research project and is a good measure for ensuring all research is conducted responsibly and safely.
Implement data protection measures
Keeping data secure is an integral part of research, especially if you are using control groups or conducting a blind study.
Make sure you are aware of your responsibilities under the UK GDPR regulations. This is where seeking professional legal advice is the best course of action to ensure you are meeting your legal requirements.
You must ensure confidentiality is maintained at all stages of the research. Informed consent is a huge part of this as well, as it could jeopardise your research if you do not obtain it.
Having robust data protection measures in place helps to build trust between your participants and the research team, allowing you to conduct your experiments without snags.
Stay informed about policy changes
Laws and regulations are always being amended and changed so it is in your best interest to make an effort to keep on top of these changes.
One such recent change could be to the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act. The government has stipulated that they are committed to ensuring that free speech is defended for students, academics and speakers. This change, when it comes into force, could impact the way researchers operate going forward.
