Human Research Ethics Introduction
It is necessary for all persons associated with the University of Adelaide to obtain appropriate ethical clearance before commencing any activity involving human research.
All human research must comply with the:
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007)
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Values and Ethics - Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research
- NHMRC Guidelines Under section 95 and section 95A of the Privacy Act 1988
University staff and students must be aware of and adhere to the following guidelines in the practice of their research:
- Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2007
- In addition researchers should refer to NHMRC Guidelines which is being continuously updated.
Human research is research conducted with or about people, or their data or tissue. It can be broadly understood to include: taking part in surveys, interviews or focus groups; undergoing psychological, physiological or medical testing or treatment; being observed by researchers; the collection and use of participants' body organs, tissues or fluids and access to their personal documents or other materials. However, other research activity with humans as participants may come within the Human Research Ethics Committee's (HREC) area.
Guidance on the definitions of 'research' and 'what is human research?' is contained in NS pp.7-9. Research investigations of doubtful status should be referred to the HREC for consideration.
Information on applications for low risk review or full review, amendments and reporting requirements are found under the Approval: Guidelines, Application and Reporting section of this website. HREC Membership and Functions contains information about the Human Research Ethics Committee, while Links and Other Resources provides links to other useful sites and ethics presentations given at training workshops.
Please direct general enquiries to the HREC Secretariat.
