Structure of a research proposal

A research proposal submitted for ethical review contains the following information:

A research protocol including:

• Name(s) of researcher and team members/supervisor(s)
• Outline of research question and study design
• Research population
• Questionnaire(s) and/or other research materials (e.g. vignettes, (computer) tests)
• If applicable - expected dates for data collection
• If the proposal is the continuation or variation of an older one, or if part of the questionnaire has already been approved by an Ethics Committee, please provide relevant details

Participant information including:

• Information letter about proposed research, confidentiality issues and data storage/management, voluntary participation, feedback of results
• Informed consent form

Research data management issues including:

• Method of storing digital and physical data, duration of storage,
• Anonymity, data sharing, and other privacy issues

Summary of the proposal

A short summary of the proposal in which the researcher(s) indicate the main objective, potential ethical issues and ways to avoid ethical conflicts.

A standardized application form is under development and should be available in the coming weeks.

Templates

A template for EC applications is available and a template for information sheets and informed consent sheets is available as well. Owing to the interdisciplinary nature of CF research, this template can be adjusted as appropriate by the applicant.