Human Research Ethics Committee Introduction

It is necessary for all persons associated with the University of Adelaide to obtain appropriate ethical clearance for any activity involving human research.

All human research must comply with the:

• National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007)
  **Please Note** the new National Statement came into effect on 28 March 2007 and replaces the previous document National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans (1999).
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Values and Ethics - Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines Under section 95 of the Privacy Act 1988
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines approved under 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 National Health and Medical Research Council (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. Research investigations of doubtful status should be referred to the HREC for consideration.

Information on applications, amendments and reporting requirements are found under the Guidelines section of this web site. HREC contains information about the Human Research Ethics Committee, while Links are provided to other useful sites.

Please direct general enquiries to the HREC Secretary, Ms Sabine Schreiber.