This page will provide Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) members and other stakeholders with archived alerts and notices on key emerging issues and developments that relate directly to the role of HRECs
September 2007
Alert on National Research Ethics Conference
2007 National Research Ethics Conference – The Ethics of Good Research
17-18 October 2007, Sebel and Citigate, Albert Park, Melbourne
Early bird registration closes 28 September 2007 – don’t miss out!
The NHMRC is hosting its third biennial National Research Ethics Conference with the support of the Australian Research Council. This is the premier research ethics event in Australia and is aimed at anyone with an interest or engagement with research ethics.
The Conference will include four symposium sessions with invited speakers addressing different aspects of each of the following topics:
- Integrating Ethics in Designing Human Research;
- Databanks and Biobanks: Ethics, Governance and Public Trust;
- Consent: When, Why and How? and
- Institutional Governance and Ethically Good Research.
There will also be a number of concurrent presentation sessions related to the Conference theme.
Continuing Education Day – 16 October
This day is open to anyone with an interest in the principles of research ethics and its application. Participants can choose from three streams:
- Essential Research Ethics (full day)
- Qualitative Research and Clinical Trials (two half-day sessions)
- Human Research Ethics Committees Chairs Roundtable (open to HREC Chairs only)
- Further information on the HREC Chairs Roundtable
A registration brochure with more information is also attached, or, for more information and to register online go to www.communicationlink.com.au/ethics/main.aspx
April 2007 Alerts
Alert on adverse event reporting
- Advice for HRECS on adverse event reporting in Australia in clinical trials (PDF, 106KB)
- Advice for HRECS on adverse event reporting in Australia in clinical trials (DOC, 67KB)
Alert on use of NHMRC privacy guidelines
August 2006 Alert:
The NHMRC is conducting public consultation on the draft Organ and Tissue Donation by Living Donors: Ethical Guidelines for Health Professionals and draft Making a Decision about Living Organ and Tissue Donation.
Organ and Tissue Donation by Living Donors: Ethical Guidelines for Health Professionals outlines ethical principles for health professionals involved in living organ and tissue donation, and provides guidance about how these principles can be put into practice. Making a Decision about Living Organ and Tissue Donation is intended to assist people in thinking about organ and tissue donation and the ethical issues involved, and to help them make informed decisions
Please draw this consultation process to the attention of anyone whom you believe would be interested in making a submission. The closing date for submissions is 5pm Monday 2 October 2006. For more information, please visit the Public Consultation page of the NHMRC website.
National Ethics Application Form
The following features are now available for use as part of the NEAF website:
- User Guide
- Ability to save proposals in Access Database format
The NHMRC is currently seeking information from HRECs regarding the uptake of NEAF. HRECs have been notified of this request and the information provided will greatly assist with further implementation of NEAF. NEAF can be accessed at www.neaf.gov.au.
August 2006 Alert:
The NHMRC is conducting public consultation on the draft Organ and Tissue Donation by Living Donors: Ethical Guidelines for Health Professionals and draft Making a Decision about Living Organ and Tissue Donation.
Organ and Tissue Donation by Living Donors: Ethical Guidelines for Health Professionals outlines ethical principles for health professionals involved in living organ and tissue donation, and provides guidance about how these principles can be put into practice. Making a Decision about Living Organ and Tissue Donation is intended to assist people in thinking about organ and tissue donation and the ethical issues involved, and to help them make informed decisions
Please draw this consultation process to the attention of anyone whom you believe would be interested in making a submission. The closing date for submissions is 5pm Monday 2 October 2006. For more information, please visit the Public Consultation page of the NHMRC website.
May 2006 Alert:
National Ethics Application Form
The NHMRC is pleased to announce that the National Ethics Application Form (NEAF) is now available for public use. NEAF is a dynamic, interactive, web-based tool for researchers of all disciplines to complete research ethics proposals for submission to Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs).
To access NEAF, please go to the independent NEAF website at www.neaf.gov.au. This website also provides you with a map of the NEAF structure (Quick Reference Map) and information about the development of NEAF.
March 2006 Alert:
Review of the Joint AVCC/NHMRC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice.
Submissions are invited on the Review of the Joint NHMRC/AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice. The intention is to produce an Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. This will assist researchers to maintain high standards of research integrity