12. Preparatory studies for research involving human participants: do I need to apply to CUREG2.0 for certification?

Preparing a research project often requires testing a device on a small number of people, to evaluate its feasibility or to validate part of the material. These tests can also be used to get a feel for the field, to identify potential participants, etc. UNIGE does not require researchers to request a CUREG certificate prior to data collection as part of a preparatory study for a research project. However, this study must be conducted with a small number of participants and is not to be published as the main study in a scientific article. It is explicitly associated with a larger research project. The fact that a certification is not required does not absolve those responsible from respecting the ethical principles of research involving human participants.