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 2007 (updated 2018) endeavour, 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:
a. a chairperson, with suitable experience, whose other responsibilities will not impair the HREC's capacity to carry out its obligations under this National Statement.
b. at least two lay people, one man and one woman, who have no affiliation with the institution and do not currently engage in medical, scientific, legal or academic work.
c. at least one person with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care, counselling or treatment of people, for example, a nurse or allied health professional.
d. at least one person who performs a pastoral care role in a community, for example, an Aboriginal elder, a minister of religion.
e. at least one lawyer, where possible one who is not engaged to advise the institution.
f. at least two people with current research experience that is relevant to research proposals to be considered at the meetings they attend. These two members may be selected, according to need, from an established pool of inducted members with relevant expertise.
The Human Research Ethics (HRE) Officer Suzette Rawady is available via email at ethics@torrens.edu.au, to discuss ethical matters pertaining to your research project.
HREC Dates for 2023
| Meeting number | Submission deadline | HREC meeting |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/01 | Fri 20 January | Wed 8 February 2023 |
| 2023/02 | Fri 17 March | Wed 5 April 2023 |
| 2023/03 | Fri 19 May | Wed 7 June 2023 |
| 2023/04 | Fri 14 July | Wed 2 August 2023 |
| 2023/05 | Fri 15 September | Wed 4 October 2023 |
| 2023/06 | Fri 10 November | Wed 29 November 2023 |
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.
Associate Professor Senior Research Fellow Business & Hospitality Verticals
zelinna.pablo@torrens.edu.au
Senior Learning Facilitator Design and Creative Technologies Design Verticals
fiona.chatteur@torrens.edu.au
Senior Learning Facilitator Health Sciences Health & Education Verticals
amoore@torrens.edu.au