D/6.5 University Human Research Ethics Committee

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University Human Research Ethics Committee is a Vice-Chancellor's committee established in accordance with Council Procedure 1 (Committees) and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research . University Human Research Ethics Committee is accountable to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation) for fulfilling the following terms of reference.

Terms of reference

University Human Research Ethics Committee manages risk and ensures compliance with requirements of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and the QUT Code of Conduct for Research and specifically:

• approves, requires amendment of, or rejects, research projects involving human participation on the basis of consideration of the ethical implications, compliance requirements, and the scientific or educational merit of the proposed research;
• monitors the conduct of approved research projects until their completion so as to ensure continued compliance with relevant requirements, and may withdraw approval;
• advises the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation) on issues arising from research involving human participation, including on procedural matters;
• develops policy and guidance relating to ethical issues arising from research involving human participation for recommendation to University Academic Board and University Research and Innovation Committee, through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation).

The Research Ethics Coordinator maintains a register of proposed and approved activity involving humans.

Membership

The membership of University Human Research Ethics Committee is constituted in accordance with the requirements of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research being:

• A Chairperson, with suitable experience and senior academic standing - nominated by Vice-Chancellor's Advisory Committee
• One person who performs a pastoral care role in a community, for example an Aboriginal elder or a minister of religion - appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation)
• A Faculty Research Ethics Advisor from each faculty with knowledge of, and current experience in, research involving one or more of the disciplines covered by the nominating faculty - nominated by the executive dean of the relevant faculty
• One lawyer, where possible one who is not engaged to advise the institution - appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation)
• 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 - appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation)
• One member with knowledge of and current experience in medical practice or nursing - appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation)
• One member with knowledge of and current experience in counselling, clinical psychology or social work - appointed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation)

No member may be appointed in more than one of the categories listed above. Also, as far as possible:

• at least one third of the members should be from outside QUT, and
• one or more of the members should be experienced in reflecting on and analysing ethical decision-making.

In addition to this minimum membership QUT makes the following membership provisions:

• Other expertise or knowledge - to ensure University Human Research Ethics Committee has access to the expertise necessary to review matters before it, nominees may be called onto the committee from outside the University Human Research Ethics Committee membership
• One nominee of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee
• Research Ethics Coordinator ex officio (rights of audience and debate only)

A nominee of the Registrar is secretary.

The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research permits a committee to consider applications where there is less than full attendance of the minimum membership at a meeting, as long as the absent members have received a copy of the application(s) and the Chair is satisfied, before a decision is reached, that they have had adequate opportunity to comment upon them.

Alternate members may be appointed in each membership category with full membership rights. Alternate members may attend a meeting when:

• the ordinary member is unable to attend a meeting, or
• a project from the ordinary member is scheduled to be considered at a meeting.

When the Committee is considering applications for ethical clearance, only members within the minimum membership will have voting rights. Other members have rights of audience and debate only.

Deputy Chair

In addition to the usual duties of a deputy chair, the Deputy Chair of University Human Research Ethics Committee acts as chair while applications or other matters involving the Chair are under consideration.

Tenure and frequency of meeting

Terms of office are as detailed in section 3 of Council Procedure 1 (Committees).

University Human Research Ethics Committee meets at least quarterly.

Reporting

University Human Research Ethics Committee reports to Council annually, usually through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation), University Research and Innovation Committee and University Academic Board. The Committee also reports to external bodies, such as the Australian Health Ethics Committee, as required.

Annual reports to Council should address numbers and types of activities considered for approval and the outcomes, risk management, any administrative or other difficulties being experienced, and any requirements for training staff.

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Related Documents

MOPP D/6.1 University research ethics

MOPP D/6.2 Research involving human participation

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Modification History

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