Research Ethics

The Human Research Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring compliance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The Committee focuses on research with or about people, or their data or tissue.

Our Human Research Ethics Committee (CQUHREC) is responsible for assessing and providing clearance to any research undertaken by university staff or Research Masters or Doctorate candidates involving:

• the use of humans;
• the use of human material; and
• the use of data or records from which individual subjects may be identified.

The standard operating procedures of the Human Research Ethics Committee are in accordance with:

• National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC)
• Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities (NHMRC)
• Keeping Research on Track II (NHMRC)
• Code of Conduct for Research
• Human Research Ethics Committee Terms of Reference
• CQUniversity Human Research Ethics Committee Grievance Procedure
• CQUniversity Human Research Ethics Committee Monitoring Policy and Procedure

Consent waivers and exemptions

We have no current waivers of consent in place, in accordance with clause 2.3 of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.

MEETING AND SUBMISSION DATES

CQUHREC meets monthly and the 2025 meeting dates and closing dates for agenda items are:

The Animal Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (2013).

Our Animal Ethics Committee (CQUAEC) is responsible for assessing and providing clearance to any research or teaching projects undertaken by University staff or students involving the use of vertebrate animals. The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the use and care of animals by the University and conducting site inspections as necessary.

The standard operating procedures of the Animal Ethics Committee are in accordance with:

• Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (NHMRC)
• National Statement on Animal Welfare
• Queensland Animal Welfare and Ethics
• Code of Conduct for Research
• Animal Ethics Committee Terms of Reference
• Statement of Principles Guiding the Use of Animals in Teaching and Research at Australian Universities
• Animal Ethics Committee Complaints and Grievances Policy and Procedure
• Animal Ethics Committee Monitoring Policy and Procedure

The Animal Ethics Committee underwent an external review in October 2020, to meet the requirements of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

Meeting and Submission Dates

The Animal Ethics Committee meets eleven times per year and the meeting dates and submission deadlines are:

2025 Schedule

Adverse Events or Complaints

Researchers are required to report to the AEC any unexpected adverse events which happen to animals during their research. The Chair of the AEC (or Secretary if Chair is unavailable) must be notified by telephone within 24 hours of such an event, and the Adverse Event Form must be submitted as soon as practicable. In determining what is considered an adverse event, researchers are encouraged to visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.

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.