VU Human Research Ethics Committee (VUHREC)

Membership of Human Research Ethics Committee

Chair of the Human Research Ethics Committee

The Chair fulfils the following duties:

• provides leadership in relation to human research ethics for the University
• chairs meetings of the Human Research Ethics Committee
• provides advice to the University on issues relating to human research ethics
• represents the University publicly in relation to human research ethics
• ensures that University policies and procedures relating to human research ethics are compliant with relevant legislation and guidelines.

 

Lay Persons

The Committee includes at least two lay people, one man and one woman, who have no affiliation with VU and do not currently engage in medical, scientific, legal or academic work.

This role includes the following tasks:

• to review Committee papers and attend meetings  
• provide advice and feedback to reflect a lay person’s point of view

Expert in Human Research

This role is fulfilled by a member with knowledge of and current experience in the areas of research that are regularly considered by the Human Research Ethics Committee.

These individuals should have substantial experience working with humans in research, have an excellent understanding of ethical issues related to the use of humans in research, and a broad appreciation of a range of research methodologies.

They provide expert advice and feedback in relation to legal and ethical principles applicable to research involving humans.

Professional in care, counselling or treatment of people

The individual should have a basic understanding of ethical principles as applied to research.   In addition, they should have knowledge of, and current experience in the professional care counselling and/or treatment of people, as, for example:

• a nurse
• social worker
• psychologist
• an allied health professional.

Community leader or Person who performs a pastoral care role in a community

The individual should have a basic understanding of ethical principles as applied to research.  In addition, they should have knowledge of, and current experience performing a pastoral care role in a community (for example an Aboriginal elder, a minister of religion).

Lawyer

Where possible, the lawyer is a Committee member who is not engaged to advise the institution.

They provide expert advice and feedback in relation to research.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expert in research

This Committee member provides expert advice and feedback in relation to research including that involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Applying ethical focus and six core values, — spirit and integrity, cultural continuity, equity, reciprocity, respect, and responsibility will ensure that research conducted with or for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, or their data or biological samples, is ethically conducted.

Where appropriate, they consult with and apply:

• Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders 2018
• Keeping research on track II 2018