Human Research Ethics

Respect, research merit and integrity, justice, and beneficence are core values in the ethics of human research. The ethical relationship between researchers and research participants, and the wider community, is the ground on which human research is conducted.

The values and principles of Human Research Ethics are fully articulated in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (link below).

This statement governs the work of a nationwide network of Human Research Ethics Committees. The University of Divinity’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) is appointed by the University Council under Regulation 1 and has oversight of human research ethics throughout the University in accordance with the National Statement.  This includes consideration and approval of applications for Human Research Ethics Approval. The HREC consists of a Chair appointed by the University Council and eight appointed members, the majority of whom are external to the University. 

Who needs to apply for HREC clearance?

All academic staff, honorary researchers, HDR students, and Minor Thesis students undertaking research projects involving human participants must apply for HREC Ethics Approval in accordance with the National Statement and the University’s HREC Policy.

Please familiarise yourself with these documents.

Consult the HREC Overview and other documents at the bottom of this page for more information about applying for HREC Ethics Approval.

The HREC Application Form is now available online.

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