Research ethics

Human research ethics approval

In Australia, any research involving humans must consider ethics. We conduct research into many aspects of cancer and have a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), made up of volunteer experts, to oversee the ethical aspects of research.

Research proposals (and amendments) are reviewed to ensure ethical standards are met and participant confidentiality is protected. The progress of approved research is monitored with annual reports from researchers.

Documentation

• NHMRC Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
  National Health & Medical Research Council 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 192kb)
  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 250kb)
  Details of committee memberships, roles and working procedures.
• Quality Assurance Projects (Doc 151kb)
  Separate procedures for use by our staff.
• Victorian Cancer Registry Data
  There are separate procedures for research requesting access to Victorian Cancer Registry Data.
  

For more information contact:

Ms Karen Sharp, Ethics Officer, Research Governance Unit (ph: 03 9514 6307).