Sensitive and confidential research

The University subscribes to the freedom of its staff, students and persons appointed or working under its umbrella to pursue self-initiated research consistent with the University s philosophy and mission. In addition, the University recognises the importance of its contributions to society in the form of making its expertise and facilities available for contract research and development work. In many cases, this requires that certain information be dealt with confidentially. The University encourages the maximum possible contribution to, and contact with, industry even when confidential work is involved.

This freedom to undertake research, however, is always subject to the dictates of the researcher s conscience and to the University s right to know of all such activities. By apprising the senior officers of the University of all such activities, they are given the opportunity to react when they judge that any particular activity is alien to the philosophy of the University. For the purposes of this document "research" must be understood to include all activities related to research.

SENSITIVE RESEARCH

The declared philosophy of the University would be brought into potential conflict with research activities, whether undertaken as part of a person s academic duties or in terms of the rules governing private work, if it were, for example, to fall into one of the following categories:

• research likely to have a net adverse impact on the environment;
• research which is in potential conflict with human rights or human dignity or health.

These are merely examples and they are not intended to be exhaustive. Furthermore, they describe categories of merely potential conflict with the University s philosophy. The decision as to whether a research activity is actually in conflict with the University s philosophy will be taken at the highest level.

The onus is on those undertaking research at the University to draw every case of potential conflict to the attention of the relevant School Head. In turn, Heads of Schools and Deans of Faculties should ensure that every case of potential conflict is brought to the attention of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). Where, in the opinion of the Deputy Vice?Chancellor (Research), it may be inappropriate for the proposed research to be undertaken, a final ruling will be obtained from the Vice?Chancellor s Research Committee (comprising the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, and the Registrar).

CONFIDENTIALITY

After careful consideration of a request for full or partial confidentiality, a moratorium, of up to two years from a date to be negotiated, on publication in the formal literature or on presentation, for example at conferences, may be granted by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

Under no circumstances, however, will any delay be permitted in the submission of theses and dissertations or in the process of their examination, but a moratorium of up to two years may be granted for the lodging of such theses and dissertations on the University library shelves, provided that the student accepts this condition when registering.

GENERAL

In the case of all research on humans and other vertebrate animals, or their foetuses/embryos and invertebrates of the class Cephalopoda, including research that involves drug trials or clinical trials, the clearance of the Committee for Research on Human Subjects, or of the Animal Ethics Screening Committee, or of the Biosafety Committee, as appropriate, must be obtained.

Instances of sensitive and confidential research considered by the Vice-Chancellor s Research Committee will be reported by topic to the Senate and Council of the University.

NOTE:

This policy document should be read in conjunction with the accepted University practices relating to:
-  private work or consulting;
-  sponsored, contract and commissioned activities.

Enquiries to:
The Research Office:
Ext. 71231 or <iain.burns@wits.ac.za>