Human research ethics
Review pathways
The University of Newcastle has different review pathways for ethics applications based on the level of risk the research will reasonably have on participants.
Risk is determined based on the potential for harm, whether it’s physical, psychological, social, economic or legal – or whether the research has the potential to cause people to think they have been treated disrespectfully. There are three levels of risk:
| Research risk level | Description of risk | To be reviewed by |
|---|---|---|
| Negligible Risk | Research in which there is no foreseeable risk of harm or discomfort, and any foreseeable risk is no more than inconvenience, such as completing a minor survey or interview on a benign topic or giving up their time. | Chair or Deputy Chair of the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (or) College Ethics Advisory Panel * |
| Low Risk | Research in which the only foreseeable risk is one of discomfort, such as minor side effects, discomfort associated with blood pressure measurement, emotional discomfort induced by an interview or survey, management of relationships involving a power imbalance, embarrassment, management of incidental findings or observations, risks to confidentiality and privacy. | Human Research Ethics Committee panel (or) College Ethics Advisory Panel * |
| More than Low Risk |
Research in which there is potential for harm, such as physical, psychological, social, economic or legal harms. The risk can be associated with the activities of participation (e.g., novel interventions or trials, exposure to ionising radiation) or potential vulnerability of the research population (e.g. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a cognitive impairment, intellectual disability or mental illness, women who are pregnant) as defined by the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. | Full Human Research Ethics Committee |
If researchers are having difficulty establishing the level of risk, they can seek advice from their College Research Ethics Advisor, who can help them assess factors such as:
- who the target population of the research will be
- what data collection methods you will use
- the nature of the research activities you will ask participants to be involved in
- the nature of the information you will collect from participants.
In designing a research project, researchers have an obligation to minimise the risks to participants. Where a researcher or reviewer deems that the level of risk is not justified by the benefits, the research aims, methods or both will need to be reconsidered if the research is to proceed.
Research projects that involve University of Newcastle staff or students as research participants must be lodged with and reviewed by the University of Newcastle's Human Research Ethics Committee.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.