Human research ethics
Policies and guidelines
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 regulatory and legislative requirements.
Any researcher or research student conducting a human-based research project must be familiar with the national codes, guidelines and policies noted below, which guide and support best-practice in human research ethics.
They also need to ensure their research complies with the University-based policies and procedures.
National codes
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
- Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency: Code of Practice - Exposure of Humans to Ionizing Radiation for Research Purposes
Legislation and associated guidelines
- Privacy Act 1988
- NHMRC – Guidelines under Section 95 of the Privacy Act
- NHMRC – Guidelines under Section 95A (for private sector data)
- NSW Human Tissue Act
- NSW Health – Requirements of the Human Tissue Act in relation to research and use of tissue
- NSW Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002
- Information and Privacy Commission – Statutory Guidelines on Research: Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002
- NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998
- Information and Privacy Commission - Statutory Guidelines and Research - section 27B of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998
University of Newcastle policy documents
- Collaborative Research and Ethics Approval Guideline
- Human Research Participant Recruitment Guidelines
- Interview Recording and Transcribing - Human Research Ethics Procedure
- Research Peer Review Guideline for Ethics Applications
Ethics when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders (NHMRC)
- Keeping research on track II (NHMRC companion guide to the above)
- Code of Ethics (The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)
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.