Human research ethics
Human Research Ethics Committee
The University of Newcastle’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) is responsible for ensuring we have effective processes in place to review the ethical acceptability of human research proposals and ensure approved projects are compliant with relevant regulatory and legislative requirements.
The committee and the University are guided by the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Under this statement, the committee is required to have:
- a chairperson with suitable experience
- at least two lay people (one man and one woman) who have no affiliation with the University of Newcastle and are not currently engaged in medical, scientific, legal or academic work
- at least one person with knowledge of and current experience in the professional care, treatment or counselling of people (e.g., a nurse, doctor or allied health professional)
- at least one person who performs a pastoral care role in a community (e.g., an Aboriginal elder or minister of religion)
- at least one lawyer.
Our HREC also includes academic staff who have research experience relevant to the areas in which the University conducts human-based research projects.
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.