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). 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, a minister of religion, an Aboriginal person, a lawyer, a medical scientist with research experience and a nurse. 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 2008
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 |
|---|---|
| 29th January 2009 | 12th February 2009 |
| 26th March 2009 | 9th April 2009 |
| 28th May 2009 | 11th June 2009 |
| 30th July 2009 | 13th August 2009 |
| 24th September 2009 | 8th October 2009 |
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 must be submitted by the closing date. A copy of these documents is available for download.
- Application Guidelines (PDF – 262Kb)
- Application Form (Word – 185Kb)
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:
Galia Guirguis
Secretary, Justice Health HREC
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