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Ethics and integrity
We're committed to responsible research
Our aim is to partner with researchers to enable, develop and promote research excellence.
Research integrity
The Research Integrity Team provides training and support for researchers. We are committed to working with researchers to assist them to conduct their studies in accordance with the relevant legislation, codes and guidelines.
Contact the Research Integrity Manager on +61 2 8627 0200 or email research.integrity@sydney.edu.au to find out more about research integrity at the University.
Ethics
The Ethics Office offers support, advice and training for researchers to guide them through the development of their ethics applications prior to submitting them for approval by the appropriate ethics committee. The office also manages the support and administration of the ethics committees at the University of Sydney.
Human ethics
The University has three registered Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) and a number of supporting committees which are entrusted to protect the mental and physical welfare, rights, dignity and safety of human participants in research at all times.
| HREC 1 | EC00145 |
| HREC 2 | EC00445 |
| HREC 3 | EC00451 |
All research is reviewed and conducted within the guidelines set out in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) - Updated 2023.
Contact the Human Ethics Manager on +61 2 8627 8176 or email human.ethics@sydney.edu.au for more information about human ethics.
Committees are comprised of mandatory members and additional members with expertise relevant to University of Sydney research. Under the National Statement the minimum membership is eight including:
- a chair
- at least two lay members, one man and one woman, who have no affiliation with the institution, are not currently involved in medical, scientific, academic or legal work, and who are preferably from the community in which the institution is located
- at least two members with knowledge of, and current experience in, the areas of research that are regularly considered by the committee (for example, health, medical, psychological, epidemiological)
- at least one member with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care, counselling or treatment of people (for example, a medical practitioner, clinical psychologist, social worker, nurse)
- at least one minister of religion, or a person with a community pastoral role, such as an Aboriginal elder
- at least one member who is a lawyer.
The committee should ideally have equal numbers of men and women.
For more information, see section 5.1 of the National Statement (2007) (pp. 80-81).
If you are an external organisation with no direct link to the University, and would like to submit a human ethics application for approval through our HRECs, contact the Human Ethics Manager on +61 2 8627 8176 or email human.ethics@sydney.edu.au.
Please be aware that a charge will apply.
Animal ethics
The University has two Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) whose primary role is to protect the welfare of animals used in research and teaching, and ensure their use is justified and scientifically worthwhile.
More information on the University's animal research and teaching can be found here.
Contact the Animal Ethics Manager on +61 2 8627 8174 or email animal.ethics@sydney.edu.au for more information about animal ethics.
Each AEC is composed of approximately 15 people from four categories below. One third of the committee must comprise of Category C / Category D members.
- Category A: Veterinarian
- Category B: Researcher experienced with the use of animals for scientific or teaching purposes
- Category C: Animal welfare member – animal welfare organisation member or nominee
- Category D: Independent member – not associated with animal-based research or the institution except under defined circumstances.
Animal welfare
Respect for animals is a priority and the University ensures that high standards of animal welfare are maintained across our various research sites. The AECs and researchers working with animals have access to veterinary support to ensure that they meet the requirements of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition (2013).
Email animal.ethics@sydney.edu.au for more information about animal welfare.
Clinical trials
The University of Sydney welcomes clinical research partnerships with industry leaders in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and device development.
If you are interested in undertaking a clinical trial which is conducted at, or sponsored by the University, contact the Director, Clinical Trials on +61 2 8627 8164 or email clinical-trials.research@sydney.edu.au.
Research complaints and concerns
You can raise complaints or concerns about:
- the conduct of a University of Sydney research investigator
- a University of Sydney research project or activity
- the decisions of a University of Sydney Animal Ethics Committee or Human Research Ethics Committee
- the care and use of animals
- research activities undertaken without appropriate ethics approval
- research projects which are non-compliant with the relevant legislation, codes and guidelines.
Please refer any matters to the appropriate team below.
Research integrity
The Director of Research Integrity and Ethics Administration
research.integrity@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 8627 0200
Human ethics
Human Ethics Manager
human.ethics@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 8627 8176
Animal ethics
Animal Ethics Manager
animal.ethics@sydney.edu.au
+61 2 8627 8174