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  2. Graduate research
  3. Current students
  4. Study
  5. Research Project Management
  6. Integrity and ethics
  7. Human Ethics
  8. Responsibilities
  9. Co-Investigators

Co-Investigators

Responsibilities for Researchers in Human Ethics


Researchers conducting human research are responsible for ensuring compliance with institutional, legislative, and ethical standards. Researchers must carry out the following responsibilities according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in human research 2025 :

  • Obtain prior approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) before commencing any research involving human participants. (Section 5.1)
  • Comply with the conditions outlined in the HREC approval and any applicable institutional policies, national guidelines, and legislative requirements, (Chapter 2.1.)
  • Ensure that all participants provide informed consent in accordance with ethical principles and that consent forms are properly documented and stored (Chapter 2.2.)
  • Protect the privacy, confidentiality, and personal information of all research participants in accordance with data protection regulations, (Chapter 3.2.)
  • Conduct research according to the approved protocol and report any deviations or modifications to the HREC for prior approval (Section 5.2.)
  • Identify and manage any risks to participants, including physical, psychological, social, or legal risks, and take appropriate mitigation measures (Chapter 4.1.)
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and secure records of research activities in line with institutional requirements and HREC conditions (Chapter 5.3.)
  • Report promptly any adverse events, complaints, or ethical breaches to the HREC and the Research Ethics and Integrity Office (REI) (Section 5.4.)
  • Ensure all research personnel are adequately trained in human research ethics, HREC-approved procedures, and relevant regulatory requirements (Chapter 5.5.)
  • Respect participants’ rights to withdraw from the research at any time without penalty or negative consequences (Chapter 2.2.)
  • Communicate research outcomes responsibly, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and adherence to ethical and institutional standards (Chapter 5.6.)
  • Promote a culture of ethical research practice by modeling integrity, professionalism, and adherence to human research ethics guidelines (Chapter 5.7.)
  • Understand and comply with the approved ethics protocol. (Clause 5.5.3)
  • Carry out tasks as delegated by the Chief Investigator responsibly and ethically. (Clause 5.5.4(b))
  • Report any unexpected ethical or safety issues to the Chief Investigator or HREC. (Clause 5.5.5(b))