Ethics

'Ethics and ethical principles extend to all spheres of human activity. They apply to our dealing with each other, with animals and with the environment. They also govern our interaction in conducting research. Ethics serve to identify, good, desirable or acceptable conducts and provides reasons for these conclusions.' (National Health and Medical Research Council 2003)

There have been a number of changes to the review of human research ethics at UWS, from 1 October 2007.

In 2007 the Commonwealth has launched major changes to the national human ethics review process. In response, UWS has developed a new review framework, including developing and embedding quality assurance processes relating to research merit and integrity within Colleges. The model has been endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor.

A key innovation will be the use of the new national web-based software application for generating human research ethics applications. The National Ethics Application Form (NEAF) software should be used by UWS researchers from 1 October 2007 onwards.

Please note: that this is not an electronic submission process - for more information on the submission of your ethics application please see - Apply to Human Research Ethics Committee.

The NEAF form must be used for all ethics applications after 31 December 2007.

There are no changes to Animal Ethics or Biosafety approval processes.

At UWS, research is carried out in accordance with the Research Code of Practice.

UWS ethics policy and review is guided by the following national guidelines:

• Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007)
• National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans (2007)
• Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2004)
• Health Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research (2003)

UWS Biosafety and Radiation Safety review is guided by national and State guidelines and standards:

• Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
• Australian Standard AS 2243.3 Safety in the Laboratory, Part 3: Microbiology.