ABSTRACT
The ethical review of research is a relatively new introduction into Maltese academia. The Maltese medical school has longest established research ethics committee (REC) in Malta, and until recently all research proposals produced at the University of Malta had to pass through this committee. In summer 2003 another REC was set up in the Institute of Health Care (IHC) to look into students' research projects within this institute. There are also plans to introduce an REC at university level; currently other faculties do not have established RECs that are recognized by University Senate. Any research done outside the medical school aegis does not have to undergo any form of review by an REC. With the introduction of Data Protection Act (DPA), however, most researchers are aware that they should have some form of approval before carrying out the trial. The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery selects the chairperson and the members of the board of an REC.
