ERIC

Welcome to the ERIC community and this evolving international hub of evidence-informed ethics guidance for research involving children and young people.

ERIC is motivated by a shared international concern that the human dignity of children is honoured and their rights and wellbeing are respected in all research, regardless of context.

Charter

Philosophy

History

About

ERIC endeavours to journey with researchers as they pursue and refine research approaches that respect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of children.

Ethical Guidance

Reflexive Tool

Responsibilities

ERIC continues to bring the international community together through the collection and dissemination of scholarly work related to ethical research involving children.

Library

Case Studies

Glossary

Conversations with ERIC

ERIC is committed to privileging the voices of children, especially those often most disempowered within the research process.

Our Commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Ethical Research Involving Children (ERIC) is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)*. Focusing on Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), ERIC promotes ethical, inclusive, and child-centred research practices. Our work builds researcher knowledge and skills, empowering them to uphold children’s rights, prioritise their wellbeing, foster equity, and amplify children’s voices in addressing global challenges. We track our contributions through metrics such as website traffic, resource downloads, citations, influence on research practices and policies, and integration into teaching and training programs worldwide.

* For the purposes of the UNCRC, a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier (Article 1).

Keywords: ethical principles, child-centered research, respect and dignity, research philosophy