Overview: Ethical clearance is a critical component of research, ensuring that studies are conducted responsibly, with integrity, and with due consideration for the welfare of participants and communities involved. This page serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding ethical clearance, its importance, and the processes involved.

What is Ethical Clearance? Ethical clearance, also known as ethical approval, is the formal acknowledgement by an authorised body that a research study meets ethical standards and guidelines. It ensures that the rights, dignity, and well-being of research participants are protected.

Ethical Clearance Process:

1. Submission: Students submit their completed ethics application, detailed research proposal, consent/assent forms and data collection instrument (i.e, survey questionnaire/ interview guide) in single pdf format to the department's ethics committee administrative assistant, Taryn Powell @ taryn.powell@uct.ac.za (Incomplete applications will be returned)
2. Review: The ethics committee evaluates the proposal to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and standards.
3. Feedback: Researchers may receive feedback or requests for revisions to address any ethical concerns or issues.
4. Approval: Upon satisfying the requirements, researchers receive ethical clearance to proceed with their study. An approval letter containing a reference number will be provided. 

Ethical clearance is a fundamental aspect of responsible research conduct, ensuring that studies are conducted ethically and with integrity. By upholding ethical standards, researchers contribute to the advancement of knowledge while respecting the rights and well-being of research participants and communities.