EdTech Research Ethical Review Service
Ethical review service for EdTech research
This service is intended for EdTech organisations, researchers, and innovators seeking an independent ethical review of their research, evaluation, or product implementation plans, particularly where no suitable institutional ethics pathway is available. A panel of experienced reviewers drawn from the International Centre for EdTech Impact’s global network of learning scientists and EdTech experts will examine submitted proposals, identify potential ethical considerations and provide constructive guidance.
We specialize in reviews of ethical research parameters for studies on various EdTech products, particularly research involving minors and digital data collection.
Why is an ethical review needed?
EdTech research involves unique challenges that go beyond traditional educational studies. Unlike many educational interventions, EdTech solutions generate rich, real-time data on user engagement, learning behaviors, and interactions with digital tools.
Collecting, storing, and analysing this data responsibly requires careful attention to privacy, consent, and data governance. Additionally, research in K–12 contexts must protect children’s rights and wellbeing while maintaining methodological rigor.
By providing independent ethical review, we ensure that studies are designed to be both scientifically valid and ethically sound, that data is handled appropriately, and that the research can be trusted by educators, policymakers, and the wider public.
When pairing up researchers with reviews of projects, we check carefully there is no conflict of interest.
In 2027, we aim to expand our services beyond K–12 to all types of EdTech, but for now, we focus on learning and teaching tools.
How does it work?
The applicant submits a completed application form detailing the EdTech research, evaluation, or implementation project.
The Centre confirms reviewer availability within the proposed timeline.
The Lead Assessor determines whether the application falls under standard or enhanced complexity.
Upon confirmation and acceptance of the fee, the review process begins.
Following completion of the appraisal, an invoice is issued.
Applicants receive a written ethical appraisal outlining strengths, areas for revision, and, where appropriate, a favourable opinion.
Governance and Review Structure
The service is delivered through:
1. A Standing Core Group
This group oversees coordination and quality assurance and typically includes:
A Review Co-ordinator / Lead Assessor
A Senior Representative from the International Centre for EdTech Impact
Where appropriate, an ethics advisor or member of the Centre’s advisory board
2. The Ad-Hoc Review Panel
For each submission, a temporary review panel is convened from the Centre’s international network of EdTech researchers and ethics specialists.
Panels typically consist of:
A Chair
Two additional reviewers with relevant expertise (e.g., learning sciences, data ethics, AI in education, safeguarding, implementation research)
Members of the core group may also serve on panels as required.
The process
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SCOPE: Unlike formal university or medical ethics committees, this service does not issue regulatory approval. Instead, it provides an independent ethical appraisal and may issue a favourable opinion when proposals meet established standards of ethical responsibility. Clients may reference the ethical review and favourable opinion in documentation, but must not present it as formal regulatory approval.
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PROCESS: 1, The applicant submits a completed application form detailing the EdTech research, evaluation, or implementation project. 2, The Centre confirms reviewer availability within the proposed timeline. 3, The Lead Assessor determines whether the application falls under standard or enhanced complexity. 4, Upon confirmation and acceptance of the fee, the review process begins.
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HOW TO APPLY Applicants should complete the designated application form and submit it to the International Centre for EdTech Impact with “EdTech Ethics Review Request” in the subject line.
Application form
This expedited service is intended for EdTech organisations, researchers, and innovators seeking an independent ethical review of their research, evaluation, or product implementation plans, particularly where no suitable institutional ethics pathway is available. The completion time requires a complete submission of neccessary documents on the first day.
Fees
This service is intended for EdTech organisations, researchers, and innovators seeking an independent ethical review of their research, evaluation, or product implementation plans, particularly where no suitable institutional ethics pathway is available. Please always ensure the neccessary documents are enclosed on submission.