Ethics Committees

Flinders University has 3 Ethics Committees and a Biosafety Committee.

The role of each committee is to monitor and approve ethics applications as they relate to specific types of research undertaken at either Flinders University or in the organisations which are part of the Southern Adelaide Health Service.

Use the table below to determine whether your proposed research falls within the responsibility of any of the committees, or whether there are other procedures that you will need to follow.

If your proposed research will require an application, make sure that you submit this as early as possible, to ensure that you are able to begin your project in accordance with your own schedule.

Quick Links

Animals
Biohazardous Materials
Carcinogenic Substances
Hazardous Substances
Human subjects - involved in research of a social or behavioural nature
Human subjects - involved in any investigations of a clinical nature
Indigenous subjects
Radiation/Radioactive Materials
South Australian Schools

If your proposed research involves...	You will need to...
Animals (any live non-human vertebrate, ie. fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. This encompasses domestic animals, purpose-bred animals, livestock, wildlife and cephalopods such as octopus and squid).	Run through this checklist (PDF 9KB) Apply to the Animal Welfare Committee.
Biohazardous materials including Genetically Modified Organisms.	First read Section 3 of the Biosafety Manual (link below). http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/info-for-researchers/ethics/committees/secure/biosafety-manual.cfm Note - For Flinders Medical Centre users unaware of the log-in, please contact Ms Angela Binns on 8204-8995 or angela.binns@flinders.edu.au. If the materials that you propose to use are specified in the manual, you will need to apply to the Biosafety Committee .
Carcinogenic substances.	Check the definition of carcinogenic substances , and if this applies to your project, contact the Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Unit on (08) 8201 3703. The university is required to notify WorkCover of any proposed work involving these substances.
Hazardous substances (substances that are highly toxic, poisonous etc, other than those listed as scheduled carcinogenic substances).	Ensure that your work is conducted in compliance with the university's Hazardous Substances Policy.
Human subjects in investigations of a social or behavioural nature.	Apply to either the Social And Behavioural Research Ethics Committee or to the Flinders Clinical Research Ethics Committee, depending on the type of research you are proposing. Read both sections to determine which committee you should apply to.
Human subjects in any investigations of a clinical nature, including research involving staff or patients of the Southern Adelaide Health Service (which includes Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Health Service and Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia) in any capacity.	Apply to either the Social And Behavioural Research Ethics Committee or to the Flinders Clinical Research Ethics Committee, depending on the type of research you are proposing. Read both sections to determine which committee you should apply to.
Indigenous subjects (ie. research that involves or impacts on Indigenous people).	Consult the Director of the Yunggorendi First Nations Centre for Higher Education and Research for advice about the conduct of research involving indigenous people and communities. Your research proposal will need the approval of the appropriate human ethics committee: the Social And Behavioural Research Ethics Committee or the Flinders Clinical Research Ethics Committee. If your proposed research is of a health nature and involves or impacts on indigenous people, you will also need the prior approval of the Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC) . Enquiries about this process should be directed to Alwin Chong , Senior Research and Ethics Officer, Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA).
Radiation/radioactive materials (including supervising others using these materials).	Ensure that you hold a Radiation Licence. Review the State Regulations and University Policy on Ionising Radiation .
South Australian schools (students and/or teachers).	Obtain a police check, and be cleared for entry into schools. Review the procedures for research in schools .