Human research ethics approval

In Australia, any research involving humans must consider ethics. The Cancer Council Victoria conducts research into many aspects of cancer and has a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), made up of volunteer experts, to oversee the ethical aspects of research. See membership of the HREC Committee.

Research proposals (and amendments) are reviewed to ensure no-one will be harmed in any way, physically, psychologically, spiritually or emotionally. The privacy and the confidentiality of information is also considered.

The progress of approved research is monitored with annual reports from researchers. 

Documentation:

• National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
  See the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) document allowing institutions to choose levels of ethical review, depending on the risks involved in research.



• Human Research Ethics Policy (Doc 194kb)
  Outlines review process, membership and reporting requirements of our Human Research Ethics Committee and Institutional Research Review Committee.
  


• Health Research Project Ethical Review Triage diagram (PPT - 129kb)
  Describes levels of risk and other ethical considerations (e.g. privacy and consent) and helps determine which review process is required.
  


• Human Research Ethics Procedures (Doc 154kb)
  Details of committee memberships, roles and working procedures.
  


• Quality Assurance Projects (Doc 50kb)
  Separate procedures for use by our staff.



• Victorian Cancer Registry Data 
  There are separate procedures for research requesting access to Victorian Cancer Registry Data.
  

Obtaining ethics approval

The following is for researchers submitting new projects or major amendments to either our Human Research Ethics Committee or Institutional Research Review Committee. Minor amendments can be submitted any time using the Amendments form below.

Language
Remember that many research participants aren't familiar with scientific terms. You should use simple language in any letters, information sheets, consent forms, questionnaires, etc. Cancer Council researchers are encouraged to have their documents edited before submission. Email Creativeservices@cancervic.org.au for this service.

Submission Forms

The original submission, plus one double-sided copy, should be forwarded to:

Ms Woody Macpherson,
Head, Research Management Unit,
The Cancer Council Victoria,
1 Rathdowne Street, CARLTON VIC 3053.

Major amendments should be submitted with the Amendments form to the above address by the closing date. Minor amendments can be submitted at any time with the same form. Researchers from outside The Cancer Council Victoria should attach a cover letter with the reason/s for submission to our ethical review process.

Guide to completing ethics submission forms

HREC/IRRC submission form

Exempt project submission (for Cancer Council staff only)

Amendments form

Supplementary form HPP

Supplementary form S95

Supplementary form S95A 

Attendance at meetings

Researchers need to be available to discuss submissions at meetings, either in person or by phone. We'll contact you about this before the meeting.

If you have any questions or need help, please contact:

• Ms Woody Macpherson, Head, Research Management Unit (ph: 03 9635 5100) or
• Ms Karen Sharp, Ethics Officer, Research Management Unit (ph: 03 9635 5101).