Human Research Ethics and Governance
Overview
Mater Health Services promotes high standards in the responsible conduct of research. Principally the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NS) outlines the requirements as recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia. Other relevant codes include the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (NHMRC), the Code of Ethical Standards for Catholic Health and Aged Care Services in Australia and Values and Ethics - Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research (NHMRC).
To conduct research at Mater you will be required to apply to the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for project approval. In addition, Mater Health Services has established a Research Governance Framework in accordance with NHMRC requirements. Through the framework, research will be assessed for quality, safety, privacy, risk management, financial management, contract and indemnity requirements. The ethics and governance process are independent of each other. However, a combined application may be submitted for projects deemed to be of low or negligible risk.