Research Ethics

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At CQUniversity, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and responsibility in research. Our Research Ethics guidelines ensure that all studies involving participants, data, or sensitive materials are conducted ethically and in compliance with best practices.

The Code of Conduct for Research sets out the responsibilities and standards of behaviour expected of researchers, research trainees, and other employees who support research at the University.

CQUniversity is now a Signatory of the Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia. Our Openness in Animal Research and Teaching page provides detailed information about what this means for CQUniversity and our ongoing efforts to promote ethical research practices.

Ethics

Research at CQUniversity is monitored a number of ethics committees.

The Institutional Biosafety Committee is responsible for ensuring compliance with Commonwealth regulations for any activities involving recombinant DNA, genetic manipulation and any exposure to potentially infectious or hazardous agents such as human or animal blood or tissues, whether locally derived or imported.

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is to provide a forum for addressing biosafety issues across the University. It also has a duty to protect students and staff of the University, as well as the Australian people and environment, by establishing procedures to minimise risk due to the release of any harmful organism into the environment.

The (IBC) has the specific responsibility to consider and advise on the following types of activity within research and teaching programs:

  • The use of potentially infectious agents in laboratories (under Australian Standard AS/NZS 2243.3 and related professional and regulatory policies).
  • Work with genetically modified organisms (under the Gene Technology Act 2000) and other guidelines provided by the Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).
  • Activities relating to the safe handling and disposal of imported biological materials (Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources).

Consequently, the IBC is a central element of the management of health and safety for any organisation engaged in activities involving recombinant DNA, genetic manipulation and any exposure to potentially infectious or hazardous agents such as human or animal blood or tissues, whether locally derived or imported.

Applications for consideration of Exempt Dealings (ED) and Notifiable Low-Risk Dealings (NLRD) may be submitted to the Ethics team ([email protected]).

Applications for projects involving Intentional Release of GMOs (DIR) must be lodged directly with the OGTR using the forms provided on the OGTR website.

Application for dealings with GMOS (Genetically Modified Organisms)

Applications for consideration of Exempt Dealings (ED) and Notifiable Low-Risk Dealings (NLRD) may be submitted to the Ethics team ([email protected]).

Applications for projects involving Intentional Release of GMOs (DIR) must be lodged directly with the OGTR using the forms provided on the OGTR website.

Do you wish to have your facility accredited?

Certain dealings with GMOs must be contained within physical containment facilities. The Regulator provides technical and procedural guidelines for the certification of facilities to specified containment levels. Certification of facilities ensures safety measures are adhered to, preventing the release of GMOs into the environment and at the same time protecting persons outside the facility and ensuring the safety of those working with GMOs within the laboratory.

If you wish to apply for the certification of a facility, please download and complete relevant sections of the application proformas provided on the OGTR website, and forward it to Coordinator ([email protected]) for processing.

The certification guidelines establish four levels of containment, listed here in ascending order of the stringency of containment requirements, reflecting the level of risk:

  • Physical Containment Level 1 (PC1)
  • Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2)
  • Physical Containment Level 3 (PC3)
  • Physical Containment Level 4 (PC4)

In addition, there are different types of facilities designed to contain different forms of organisms and dealings (microorganisms, plants, animals, etc).

Applicants will be required to indicate on the application form the PC level and the type of facility to be certified. The PC level and facility type will dictate which inspection report checklist, if any, should be completed and submitted with the application.

If you wish to apply for a certification of a physical containment facility, the OGTR website provides comprehensive information pertaining to the accreditation process.

Policies and procedures

Guidance on the procedures for staff who working with potentially infectious agents in laboratories can be found on StaffNet.

If you have a concern about a research project being conducted by our University, you can confidentially report this to the Ethics Coordinator. Please email: [email protected] or contact the Ethics Coordinator (07) 4923 2603.