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NHMRC Licensing Committee (LC)

The Embryo Research Licensing Committee of the NHMRC (the NHMRC Licensing Committee), a Principal Committee of the NHMRC, was established by the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002. The Licensing Committee oversees the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 and the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002. The legislation prohibits human cloning for reproductive purposes and a range of other practices relating to reproductive technology. It also regulates research activities that involve the use of human embryos created by assisted reproductive technology (ART) or by other means. There are strong penalties for non-compliance with the legislation.

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Functions

NHMRC Licensing Committee has prescribed functions under the national regulatory framework established by the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 (RIHE Act) and the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 (PHCR Act).

The functions of LC are:

  • to perform functions in relation to licences under Division 4 of the RIHE Act;
  • to perform functions in relation to databases under Division 5 of the RIHE Act; and
  • to perform such other functions as are conferred on it by the RIHE Act or any other law.

Since the Chair of LC has duties and responsibilities under both the NHMRC Act and the RIHE Act, neither the Chair of LC nor the deliberations of LC are subject to Council or CEO approval. LC has the power to do all the things necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance of its functions.

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Membership

Membership of LC is prescribed under Section 16 of the RIHE Act, and the Minister is required to consult with the jurisdictions before appointing members. Membership comprises individuals with expertise in research ethics, research, assisted reproductive technology, law, consumer health issues, the regulation of assisted reproductive technology, and embryology.

LC has nine members for the 2009-12 triennium, with seven of these being appointed to date. As part of the appointment process, and following consultation with the jurisdictions, a member of AHEC will also be appointed to LC as required under both the RIHE Act and the NHMRC Act. The position of A person with expertise in consumer health issues relating to disability and disease is also yet to be filled.

Licensing Committee

Member Position
Professor John Findlay AO Chair & Person with expertise in a relevant area of research
Professor Donald Chalmers Person with expertise in a relevant area of law
Associate Professor Lynn Gillam Person with expertise in research ethics
Professor Robert Norman Person with expertise in assisted reproductive technology
Dr Stephen Junk person with expertise in embryology
Dr Julia Nicholls OAM Person with expertise in consumer issues relating to assisted reproductive technology
Professor Belinda Bennett Person with expertise in the regulation of assisted reproductive technology
Vacant Person with expertise in consumer health issues relating to disability and disease
Vacant A member of AHEC

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Contact NHMRC Licensing Committee

Postal address NHMRC Licensing Committee Secretariat
NHMRC
GPO Box 1421
Canberra ACT 2601
Email address embryo.research@nhmrc.gov.au
Telephone (02) 6217 9423

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