Ethics: research involving humans

It is a requirement of universities and other research institutions that they make provision for the ethical review of research being conducted under the auspices of the institution when conducted with humans.  UWS is equally concerned with fostering responsible research, thereby maintaining the reputation of the University and its’ researchers. This includes, but is not restricted to, the use and/or collection of personal, collective or cultural data from participants or from their records, which may include their oral testimony or observed cultural activities and the testing of responses to conditions devised by researchers - National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans 2007.

All research projects, including learning and teaching research for publication, conducted by UWS staff or students involving human participants, whether funded or unfunded, are required to seek ethical clearance before the project commences. Guidelines on research learning and teaching projects (MS Word, 204Kb) and non-research learning and teaching projects, provide advice on whether these projects require ethics approval.

If you have a complaint about the conduct of research projects approved by the UWS Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) please review the Human Research Ethics Committee Complaints Guidelines 2008 (MS Word, 124Kb).

UWS uses the National Ethics Application Form (NEAF). Guidance on completing this form may be obtained from Guidance on applying for ethical review at UWS.

For more information, please contact an Ethics Officer.

^ Back to top