Working Groups

At EUREC, all our members contribute to one of our two working groups, which are the engines of action driving meaningful change and innovation. Through dynamic discussions, engaging webinars, and collaborative outputs, we strive to achieve specific goals and make a lasting impact.

Working Group 1: Legal and policy issues of RECs

Working group 1 explores legal and policy matters concerning RECs in the field of health-related research. It aims to:

  • Enhance communication among RECs regarding ethically significant policies and legal structures.
  • Tackle emerging ethical challenges.
  • Create shared European REC policies.

News and updates from working group 1

  • In September to December 2024, Working group 1 will host a webinar on “vulnerability in research participants.”
  • June 2024: Working group published a position paper on the compensation of research participants.
  • May 2024: Working group 1 had an onsite meeting in Vilnius and discussed the topics “vulnerability” and “compensation” (meeting minutes)
  • September to November 2023: Working Group 1 hosted a series of webinars on “compensation" (Webinar minutes).

Working Group 2: Broadening the scope of RECs

Working Group 2 considers the role of RECs in an ethics governance system. It aims to:

  • Promote inclusion and collaboration among RECs reviewing research beyond the biomedical field, including the social sciences, humanities, and new and emerging technologies.
  • Adapt ethics governance systems to changing research environments.
  • Build societal trust in research.

News and updates from working group 2:

  • May 2024: Working group 2 had an onsite meeting in Vilnius and discussed the scope of the working group and the strategy for the development of a toolbox for ethics reviewers doing reviews beyond the biomedical field.
  • March 2024: Working group 2 organised a workshop on “Ethical review of RECs in social sciences research” (Agenda)
  • September to 2023: Working group 2 hosted a workshop on “Ethics reviews and networking in social science research: How to move forward in Europe?” (Agenda)

Future plans

We are excited to announce that we are planning the formation of a third working group focused on training. This group will aim to develop comprehensive training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of REC members, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle emerging ethical challenges.

Join our public working group meetings or webinars

If you're interested in joining one of our public working group meetings or webinars, please reach out to the appropriate contact:

We look forward to welcoming you!