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Human Research Ethics

All human research projects conducted at the University or by staff and students of the University require approval from the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) before the research can commence.

From 1 February 2007 the University will adopt new processes for human research requiring ethics approval.
Further information is available at  Research Services Human Ethics.

 

Guidelines for Procedures for Methodological Peer Review of Ethics Applications

Preamble

The Faculty Assistant Dean (Research) has delegated authority for Peer Review to the Chair of the Methodological Peer Review Committee. All applications are required to be peer reviewed for methodology prior to submission to the University Human Research Ethics Committee. After approval has been provided by the Chair of the Committee you then proceed to submit to the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee [HREC]. This explanation only refers to guidance on the Peer Review process.

The Research Ethics Advisor [REA] who is also the Chair of the Committee may be contacted for advice on any stage of the process. If this is the first time you have submitted an application or are unsure about the process, then please do not hesitate to contact the REA.

Important Please Note:

The Faculty is currently seeking the appointment of a new chair for the Faculty Peer Review Committee.

Until a new chair commences in this role, any questions in relation to the application process, should be directed to  Pauline Brown.

 

The Chart (pdf-21kb) summarises the steps in the process, whilst the turnaround time is dependent upon the load of applications requiring assessment. The Determination Form   will need to be downloaded, as this will offer guidance in terms of how the Reviewers will assess and peer review your application. The Peer Review Committee is responsible for reviewing the application description, NOT for reviewing the ethical issues in your application [HREC is responsible for this].

Procedure

There are 3 phases involved in the Peer Review process and the steps within each phase are as follows:
Phase 1: Ethics Submission Preparation Phase
  1. Read and understand the implications of the National Statement of Ethical Conduct for Research with Human Interaction.
  2. Read and familiarize yourself with the University of Newcastle Research Services Human Ethics webpages for the latest Application forms and procedures and updates.
  3. Complete the relevant Application. For advice on relevant application refer to either the FacultyREA; or human-ethics@newcastle.edu.au 
  4. The applicant is the person to whom communication will be entered into, however; in the case of applications where a student is involved (either postgraduate or undergraduate) the student shall be communicated to at the same time, unless the supervisor requests otherwise. In the case of student projects, the applicant according to the University of Newcastle policy is the supervisor (primary).
  5. The applicant and the student must read, and be familiar with, the National Statement in the case of a student project.
Phase 2: Ethics Submission and Peer Review
  1. Submit the application to the Chair of the Faculty Peer Review Committee.

The Committee is comprised of 3 academic staff members and the Chair, together with any co opted staff members or suitably qualified discipline experts and the Secretary for the Committee.

  1. Each application will be reviewed by two Committee members and a Determination will be made according to the following categories:
    • Approved with Conditions; or
    • Approved
  2. Hard copy and/or electronic submissions (with electronic signatures) are acceptable
  3. Applicants who have had their projects peer reviewed by a competitive grant system will only be required to have peer review of methodological material that did not form part of that review (for eg, interview schedules, questionnaires, observation schedule etc)
Phase 3: Sign off

After the Chair or Secretary of Committee notifies the applicant of Application Approval,( either after the first submission or after subsequent submission/s),  proceed to provide the following:

  • A hard or electronic copy of the application form with Section G2 ready for signature; and
  • The applicant must also provide the Determination Form with a signature from the applicant indicating that each of the Conditions has been met, as well as a comment on how each Condition was met as per the Determination Form.


Chair of the Methodological Peer Review Committee

 

 

Animal Ethics

The University of Newcastle Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC) has been established under the NSW legislation, to oversee the care and use of animals in research and teaching at the University of Newcastle, the Hunter Area Health Service and several other accredited research establishments. Before any vertebrate animal can be used for research or teaching purposes, the investigator must obtain approval from the ACEC.

 Please refer to Research Services Animal Ethics for further information.

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