Human Ethics
Students and Staff at the University of Canberra who intend to conduct research with human participants must apply to the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for approval before commencing their projects. This could include research that involves conducting questionnaires, surveys and physically invasive procedures. Ethics approval ensures that research complies with established guidelines, notably the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The Human Research Ethics Manual provides guidance on the framework in which the HREC operates, principles for responsible practice in research, the process for seeking ethics clearance, and the evaluation process.
Human Research Ethics Committee
The HREC is constituted in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The HREC's primary responsibility is to ensure that the welfare and rights of participants in research are protected. The Committee Working Procedures provide details on meeting procedures, decision-making processes and handling of ethics applications.