The National Office is responsible for establishing and supporting National Research Ethics Committees (NRECs) that provide ethical oversight of regulated areas of research, namely:

• Clinical trials for investigational medicinal products (NREC-CT A & NREC-CT B)
• Clinical investigations for medical devices (NREC-MD)
• Performance studies for in vitro diagnostics (NREC-MD)

Ethics review is a vital component of regulating health research to ensure that the safety, dignity, and well-being of research participants is safeguarded.

It is essential that national ethics opinions are informed by the range of skills, experience, interests and backgrounds reflective of Irish society.

They are now launching a new open call to expand the membership of the existing NRECs to supplement committee expertise and representations.

The expansion of the NRECs will build capacity and preparedness to deliver national ethical opinions in regulated areas of research conducted in Ireland, and in accordance with EU legislative requirements.

Due to the current needs of the Committees, priority will be given to applicants with expertise in specific areas listed below:

This is an exciting and rare opportunity to support Irish health research at a national level, to gain insight into forefront health developments, and to ensure that Irish research is strengthened by the highest ethics standards. Please read the Expression of Interest form for more information.

They welcome Expressions of Interest under this call until 11 September 2023. To apply, please complete the Expression of Interest form and send it to membership@nrec.ie. Any questions should also be sent to membership@nrec.ie.

Where there is an over-subscription of EOIs given the limited number of members appointed to each NREC, they will develop a membership reserve list to enable the National Office to ensure membership sustainability and appoint new members rapidly, as and when needed.

They look forward to hearing from interested candidates. Find more info on their site: https://www.nrecoffice.ie/committees/become-a-member/