Ethical approval was obtained

You usually drop this line in the Methods section of a research paper. It’s almost always written in the passive voice. Why? Because in the world of science, we like to pretend the researcher is a neutral robot. You don't say "I got permission." You say Ethical approval was obtained. It sounds more objective and serious. You often follow it with the name of the university or hospital that gave the okay. For example, Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Oxford Research Ethics Committee. You might also need to include a specific reference number. It’s like showing your ID at a club, but the club is a high-impact academic journal. If you're talking to a friend about your thesis, you might say it more casually, but in writing, stick to the script.

This phrase is very formal. It belongs in the ivory towers of academia and the sterile halls of hospitals. You wouldn't use it while ordering a latte unless you're trying to be incredibly weird. It’s a standard "academic formula." These are pre-set phrases that researchers use so they don't have to be creative. In science, being creative with your grammar is actually a bad thing! You want to sound like every other credible researcher. The tone is professional, detached, and authoritative. It signals to other experts that you are part of the "club" of legitimate scholars. If you use it correctly, people trust your data. If you skip it, your career might end before it even starts.

Imagine you’re writing a paper about how much coffee students drink during finals week. You can't just spy on them in the library! You need permission. In your paper, you’d write: Ethical approval was obtained for this study (Ref: 2024-05). Or maybe you're testing a new fitness app. You’d state: Ethical approval was obtained prior to the recruitment of participants. Even big companies like Google or Meta have to use this when they do user research. If they don't, they end up in the news for the wrong reasons. In a job interview for a research position, you might say, "I ensured that ethical approval was obtained for all my previous projects." It shows you’re a pro who follows the rules.

Use this specifically when you are describing a formal research process. This includes university dissertations, medical trials, or psychology experiments. It’s mandatory if your work involves humans, animals, or even sensitive private data. You’ll use it in the Methods or Ethical Statement section of your manuscript. Use it when you want to build trust with your audience. It's also great for grant applications where you need to prove you've already jumped through the necessary hoops. Basically, if there was a committee involved and they gave you a thumbs up, this is your phrase. It's the "Vibe Check" of the scientific world, and you definitely want to pass it.

Don't use this for everyday activities. If you asked your mom for permission to borrow the car, don't tell your friends Ethical approval was obtained. They will think you've spent too much time in the library. Also, don't use it for informal surveys on Instagram or Twitter. If you're just asking your followers what pizza topping is best, no committee is needed. It’s also incorrect if you did the research first and asked for permission later. That’s called a "major problem" and can get you expelled. Never use it to describe personal moral choices. Saying Ethical approval was obtained to break up with my boyfriend is a joke, not a real usage. Unless, of course, your boyfriend is actually a research subject (which would be a whole different issue).

One big mistake is leaving out *who* gave the approval. Don't just say Ethical approval was obtained and stop there. Journals want to know the name of the committee.

✗ Ethical approval was obtained for the study.

✓ Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Yale University.

Another mistake is using the wrong verb. People often say Ethical approval was made, which sounds like you baked a cake of ethics.

✗ Ethical approval was made by the board.

✓ Ethical approval was granted by the board.

Also, watch your spelling! Ethical and Ethnic are two very different things. Getting Ethnic approval is something else entirely and will lead to a very confusing conversation with your professor.

You might see Ethical clearance was obtained. This is very common in the UK, Australia, and South Africa. It means the exact same thing. In the US, people often say IRB approval was granted. IRB stands for Institutional Review Board. Another version is The study was approved by the local ethics committee. This is slightly more wordy but very clear. You might also see Informed consent was obtained, which is the "sister phrase" to our main one. Usually, they go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you have the approval, you almost certainly got the consent too. In very formal settings, you might see The protocol was reviewed and approved.

Is ethical approval the same as informed consent? No, they are different! Approval comes from a committee of experts. Consent comes from the individual person taking part in your study. You need both for a successful project.

Can I say I obtained ethical approval? Yes, but only in less formal writing or when speaking. In a formal paper, we prefer the passive voice Ethical approval was obtained. It sounds more like a fact and less like a personal achievement.

What happens if I don't get approval? Usually, your research will be rejected by journals. If you're a student, you might fail your course. In extreme cases, you could even lose your job. It’s a very big deal in the professional world!

Who are these people on the committee? They are usually other researchers, doctors, and sometimes regular people from the community. They check to make sure you aren't being a "mad scientist."

Is it always called an Ethics Committee? Not always. In the US, it's often called an IRB. In other places, it might be an ERB or REC. They all do the same thing: keep people safe!

Do I need this for animal research? Absolutely. Animals can't give consent, so the committee is even more strict about making sure they are treated humanely. You would use the same phrase for them.