Values and principles

Human research ethics ensures researchers and research students uphold the values and principles of ethical conduct when designing, conducting and reporting research findings. All research 'with or about people, or their data or tissue' (National Statement) should reflect the following values:

• Respect for human beings - requires respect for the privacy, confidentiality and cultural sensitivities of research participants. All people involved in research have the right to make informed decisions about matters that affect them. People must be protected and empowered if their capacity to make informed decisions is impaired.
• Research merit and integrity - requires the use of methods, facilities and resources that are appropriate to achieve the aims of the research. Benefits of research must be justified, it should be supervised by researchers with appropriate expertise, and findings reported accurately and responsibly.  
• Justice - requires procedural fairness in the recruitment of participants and review of research. Research aims should be achieved using 'just' means that do not unfairly burden particular groups. The benefits of research should be distributed fairly between participants and the wider community, and research findings should be provided within a reasonable time.
• Beneficence - requires a sensitivity to the welfare and interests of participants, and the cultural and social implications of the research. The likely benefits to participants or the wider community must justify any risk of harm or discomfort to research participants. 

These principles apply to all research including surveys, interviews or focus groups, psychological, physiological or medical testing or treatment, being observed by researchers, researchers accessing personal documents or other materials, collection and use of body organs, tissues, fluids or exhaled breath, access to information as part of an existing published or unpublished source or database.

Approval and review process

The VU Human Research Ethics Committee (VUHREC) ensures research projects involving or impacting on humans are conducted ethically. The primary responsibility of each committee member is to decide whether the welfare and rights of research participants are protected. 

The VUHREC operates under Terms of Reference that are based on the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) and Commonwealth and State laws.

Human Research Ethics Committee

The VUHREC meets regularly to review and monitor emerging ethical issues and ensure relevant scholarly and scientific standards are met.

The VUHREC is made up of:

• a Chairperson
• an expert in human research with substantial experience in human research and a strong understanding of human research ethics and research methods
• a professional in care, counselling or treatment of people with an understanding of ethical principles as applied to research and current experience in professional care, counselling and/or treatment of people
• a community leader or person who performs a pastoral care role in the community and has an understanding of the ethical issues related human research
• an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expert in research with experience and/or an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
• lay people (individuals with an understanding of research ethics but not currently engaged in medical, scientific, or legal work)
• a lawyer

Human Research Ethics Subcommittees 

VU faculty-based Human Research Ethics Subcommittees have also been established to review and approve proposals considered to be 'minimal risk' to participants and the community. The VUHREC oversees the operation of these subcommittees.

Contact us

If you have questions about participating in research, contact the researcher responsible for the project.

If you would like further information about the conduct of research or the human research ethics approval and review process, please contact Christine Near, VUHREC Executive Officer.

Mail to:
Ms Elizabeth Hill
Human Research Ethics Committee
Victoria University
Office for Research
PO Box 14428 Melbourne
Victoria 8001
AUSTRALIA

VU Human Research Ethics Committee

Dr Deb Kerr
Human Research Ethics Committee
Chairperson (Acting)
Phone: +61 3 9919 2053
Email: Deb.Kerr@vu.edu.au

Dr Anthony Watt
Human Research Ethics Committee
Deputy Chairperson (Acting)
Phone: +61 3 9919 4119
Email: Anthony.Watt@vu.edu.au

Ms Elizabeth Hill
Human Research Ethics Committee
Building C, Level 3, Room 303
Footscray Park Campus
Phone: +61 3 9919 4781
Email: Elizabeth.Hill@vu.edu.au

VU faculty-based Human Research Ethics Subcommittees

Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development

Dr Anthony Watt
Human Research Ethics Subcommittee
Chairperson
Phone: +61 3 9919 4119
Email: anthony.watt@vu.edu.au
Email:  AEHDEthics@vu.edu.au

Ms Christine Near
Human Research Ethics Subcommittee
Secretary
Phone: +61 3 9919 4461

Faculty of Business & Law

Dr Nicholas Billington
Human Research Ethics Subcommittee
Chairperson
Phone: +61 3 9919 1076
Email: nick.billington@vu.edu.au
Email: BLethics@vu.edu.au

Ms Christine Near
Human Research Ethics Subcommittee
Secretary
Phone: +61 3 9919 4461

Faculty of Health, Engineering & Science

Associate Professor Liza Heslop
Human Research Ethics Subcommittee
Chairperson
Phone: +61 3 9919 2252
Email: liza.heslop@vu.edu.au
Email: HESethics@vu.edu.au

Ms Elizabeth Hill
Human Research Ethics Subcommittee
Secretary
Phone: +61 3 9919 4781