Human Research Ethics Commitee
The Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) is responsible for the ethical review, approval, and monitoring of human research in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025).
- Review research proposals to ensure they meet ethical principles and guidelines of research merit, integrity, justice, beneficence, and respect. (Section 1)
- Ensure that the foreseeable risks of research are justified by the potential benefits to participants, knowledge, or the wider community. (Chapter 2.1 and 5.1)
- Consider participant welfare and ensure respect for participants throughout the research process. (Section1)
- Monitor approved research, including progress reports, safety updates, and final reports. (Chapter 5.2)
- Suspend or withdraw ethical approval where participant safety or ethical compliance is compromised. (Chapter 5.2)
- Communicate decisions clearly and in writing to researchers, including reasons for decisions and any required modifications. (Chapter 5)
- Include appropriate membership diversity, ensuring balance of gender, expertise, and community representation. (Chapter 5.1)
- Report annually to the institution on its activities, membership, and workload. (Chapter 5.1)
- Ensure independence and objectivity in decision-making, free from institutional or investigator influence. (Chapter 5.1)
- Apply proportional review according to the level of risk and complexity of research proposals. (Chapter 2.1 and 5.1)
- Maintain comprehensive records of all reviews, decisions, and communications.(Chapter 5.1)
- Ensure members receive appropriate training and continuing education in research ethics and relevant regulations.(Chapter 5.1)
- Promote a culture of ethical research conduct across the institution through dialogue, advice, and education.
(Section 1 and Section 5 )