researchandinnovation.gov.mt

​Request for Research in Schools, Institutes or Organisations

Terms of Reference

Authorization to conduct research within Schools, Institutes, or Organizations under the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR) must be obtained from the Research and School Internal Review Directorate (RSIRD) within the Education Strategy and Quality Assurance Department. A soft copy of this authorization must then be submitted to the Head of the respective School, Institute, or Organization where the research will take place.

  1. Researchers are to conform to the principles of ethical research conduct as specified in the RSIRD Research Ethics Policy and Procedures.
  2. Research work is carried out at the discretion of the Head of School, Institution, or Organisation, and is subject to their conditions.
  3. The Research and School Internal Review Directorate (RSIRD) reserves the right to withdraw the permission to carry out the research at any time and without prior notice.
  4. The researcher must obtain approval to conduct the research from the respective Higher Educational Institution Ethics Committee.
  5. Questions of an offensive, prejudiced, or otherwise unethical nature are not permissible.
  6. RSIRD procedures align with the Data Protection Act to safeguard the rights of the research subjects.
  7. Upon completion of the research work, the researcher must provide a soft copy of the research findings to the RSIRD, as well as to the Head of School, Institution, or Organization where the research was conducted.

How to Apply

  1. Please fill in and submit the Request for Research online form found here. (Kindly do not submit trial or duplicate applications).  
  2. After submitting the application, send an email to rsird.meyr@gov.mt attaching ALL the required documents listed below (see Attachments). 
  3. In the email, clearly state your name and surname, and the date of application. The Research and School Internal Review Directorate will acknowledge your email and application and provide you with a reference number that you will need to quote in any communication with the RSIRD.

Attachments

Please ensure that the following documents, using the templates found below, are attached to the email you are requested to send to RSIRD after submitting your application. A detailed description of what should be included in the documents can also be found in the MEYR Research Ethics Policy and Procedures.

  1. Information Letter and Request for Permission to carry out Research addressed to the Head of School, Institution or Organisation.
  2. Informed Consent Form for Research Involving Adult Participants. (Maltese and English versions are required when these are intended for use with parents)
  3. Informed Consent Form for Research involving Legally Responsible Parents/Guardians of Minors. (Maltese and English versions)
  4. Informed Assent Form Template for Research with Children Minors. (Maltese and English versions)
  5.  The completed self-assessment form. (Kindly submit this form even if all the boxes are left blank)
  6. A copy of the questionnaire/interview questions/other relevant material to be used for data collection. (Maltese and English versions are required when these are intended for use with parents and minors)
  7. Licence/permission to use research tools (e.g. constructs/tests).
  8. Approval from the Ethics Review Board of the respective institution. 

The process for the approval of the research may take up to four (4) weeks.  Failure to provide these documents and the necessary information risks delaying approval to proceed with the research, and the 4-week period can no longer be guaranteed.

Upon approval of the research study, you will receive an email with the official authorisation. The same email will be forwarded to the schools, institutions, or organisations where the research will take place. Any changes in the sample or content of the study must be communicated to the RSIRD for further review.

For further clarification, you are kindly requested to contact rsird.meyr@gov.mt.

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