01 PROTECTION

We prioritise the dignity, rights and safety of all research participants, whether they’re involved in a digital sleep study, a nutrition trial, or a wearables-based intervention. Protecting individuals from harm, coercion, and misuse of their data is the foundation of all ethical research and every protocol we review is assessed through this lens.


02 IMPARTIALITY

Our committee is structurally and operationally independent from sponsors. Members are required to declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves where appropriate. This ensures our decisions are fair, objective, and grounded solely in ethical principles - not commercial interests.
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03 PROPORTIONALITY

We apply ethical oversight proportionate to the level of risk involved. Low-risk studies deserve careful scrutiny, but not unnecessary delay. By focusing on what truly matters (clarity of consent, participant burden, data privacy and safety), we enable timely research that still meets high standards.

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04 EXACTNESS

We hold ourselves to high standards of clarity, precision and consistency in how we review, document, and communicate ethical decisions. From the language used in consent forms to the structure of a protocol, we look for exactness in how studies describe risk, data handling, and participant engagement. This principle ensures that both applicants and participants understand exactly what is being proposed, reducing ambiguity and supporting informed, ethical research.

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05 RESPECT

Today’s research doesn’t always fit traditional models - and we embrace that. Whether it’s a study run entirely online, a real-world food supplement trial or a behavioural app, we engage with new approaches while upholding ethical rigour. We value inclusive designs, flexible methods and evolving definitions of evidence.