Justice Health Human Research and Ethics Committee (HREC)
In Australia, all research studies involving human subjects must adhere to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007
www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/e72syn.htm
All health research undertaken with people in the correctional environment is subject to review by the Justice Health Human Research and Ethics Committee (HREC). Any research involving Justice Health staff (either as an investigator or as a participant) needs to come to the HREC. The role of this committee is to safeguard the welfare and rights of both research subjects and researchers. This committee reviews all research within Justice Health and ensures that all projects are undertaken within the nationally and internationally approved ethical and safety framework.
The Committee has developed specialist expertise in the areas of health and human rights, research on people deprived of their liberty and research involving persons in dependent or unequal relationships.
Major roles of the Committee
The Committee’s major roles are to:
- Consider the ethical implications of all proposed research projects;
- Advise applicants of approval, rejection or recommendations for changes to research submissions;
- Maintain surveillance of approved research, and
- Maintain a register of projects.
In carrying out its functions the Committee will consider the risks and benefits to subjects on the research and perceived benefits of the research.
Committee Members
The core membership of the Justice Health HREC complies with the National Statement in that it includes a chairperson, a laywoman, a layman, an Aboriginal person, a lawyer, and medical scientist with research experience. The Committee is chaired by Associate Professor Sandra Egger, who is the Head of School, Faculty of Law University of New South Wales.
Schedule of meetings for 2012
The Committee meets five times per year, considering between 12 and 15 new protocols per year, as well as reviewing progress and compliance of all currently approved studies. Out of session consideration of new protocols is also undertaken when necessary.
| Closing date for submissions | Meeting date |
|---|---|
| 25 January 2012 | 16 February 2012 |
| 29 March 2012 | 19 April 2012 |
| 31 May 2012 | 21 June 2012 |
| 26 July 2012 | 16 August 2012 |
| 27 September 2012 | 18 October 2012 |
Application guidelines and forms
Before submitting an application you must read the application guidelines. The original application form plus 12 copies of the application and all associated documents with all necessary signatures must be submitted by the closing date.
Use of the National Ethics Application Form (NEAF) has been mandated for applications for full review by all HRECs established by NSW Public Health Organisations.
Information about NEAF: https://www.neaf.gov.au/default.aspx
NEAF form: https://www.ethicsform.org/au
Justice Health also requires applicants complete a Site Specific Assessment (SSA) form (also available on the website above) which must be signed off by the relevant Justice Health Executive Director for operational approval. This must be signed off and submitted to the Justice Health HREC at the time of submitting the full ethics application. Applicants can contact Dr Devon Indig on 8372 3010 for advice on the appropriate Executive Director to contact.
Useful links
- National Health and Medical Research Council
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (PDF)
Contact us
For further advice about Justice Health HREC policies, guidelines, submissions, please contact:
Dr Devon Indig
Head of Research
PO Box 150
Matraville NSW 2036
P: (02) 8372 3010
F: (02) 9344 4151
E: devon.indig@justicehealth.nsw.gov.au
Galia Guirguis
Executive Officer
PO Box 150
Matraville NSW 2036
P: (02) 8372 3000
F: (02) 9344 4151
E: chrcj@justicehealth.nsw.gov.au
Or, if specific ethical advice is sought, please contact:
A/Professor Sandra Egger
Chairperson, Justice Health HREC
PO Box 150
Matraville NSW 2036
P: (02) 8372 3000
F: (02) 9344 4151
E: chrcj@justicehealth.nsw.gov.au