Human research ethics committee

The Torrens University Australia Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) is registered with the NHMRC. The HREC reviews the ethical design of research projects to ensure that research aligns with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (updated 2025) and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018.

The Torrens University Australia HREC is per the requirements of the National Statement ‘Composition of HRECs’. National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 5.1.29 and 5.1.30. Within our HREC membership includes the following:

The Torrens University Australia HREC is comprised as per the requirements of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (section 5.1.30).

HREC membership includes the following:

a. a chairperson with suitable experience, including previous membership of an HREC, whose other responsibilities will not impair the HREC’s capacity to carry out its obligations under the National Statement.
b. two people who bring a broad community or consumer perspective and who have no paid affiliation with the institution.
c. a person with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care or treatment of people; for example, a nurse, counsellor or allied health professional.
d. a person who performs a pastoral care role in a community including, but not limited to, an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elder or community leader, a chaplain or a minister of religion or other religious leader.
e. a qualified lawyer, who may or may not be currently practising and, where possible, is not engaged to advise the institution on research-related or any other matters.
f. two people with current research experience that is relevant to research proposals to be considered at the meetings they attend.

The Human Research Ethics Manager is available via email at ethics@torrens.edu.au, to discuss ethical matters pertaining to your research project.

HREC Dates for 2026

Meeting Number	Submission Deadline COB	HREC Meeting (Wednesday)
2026/01	Fri 16 January	Wed 4 February
2026/02	Fri 20 February	Wed 11 March
2026/03	Fri 20 March	Wed 15 April
2026/04	Fri 1 May	Wed 20 May
2026/05	Fri 5 June	Wed 24 June
2026/06	Fri 10 July	Wed 5 August
2026/07	Fri 14 August	Wed 9 September
2026/08	Fri 18 September	Wed 10 October
2026/09	Fri 30 October	Wed 25 November

Research ethics advisors

Research integrity advisors (REAs) are appointed in disciplinary areas to provide guidance to staff and student researchers. REAs can provide advice and suggestions to researchers on the ethical design and conduct of their proposed research in the discipline area.

Through educating and communicating principles per the National Statement on the Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007 (updated 2018), the REAs facilitate ethically conducted research. REAs provide general ethics advice and do not review ethics applications in detail. While supervisors remain the primary contact for advising and supporting their own Higher Degree by Research students, the REAs are available to discuss human ethics-related matters.

Oversight for ethics applications sits with the Human Research Ethics Officer and the Human Research Ethics Committee.