Research ethics and compliance support

AU

Adelaide University is committed to creating an environment in which its researchers adhere to the highest of ethical standards. Integrity in the research enterprise is foundational to respecting the community’s trust placed in our researchers as they seek to carry out work that can benefit us all. Honesty, accuracy, objectivity and efficiency will mark every aspect of the research we undertake. This underpins Adelaide University’s research vision, aiming to deliver future-making and partnered world-class research of scale and focus to transform our state's economy and contribute to solving global challenges.

In Australia, all researchers have a responsibility and obligation to act in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018) (Code) and its Supporting Guides.

All members of the Adelaide University Community who are or have been involved in the conduct of research must comply with the Code and our Research Integrity Policy.

Human research is research conducted with or about people, their data, or their biospecimens. All research involving humans is governed by Australian law and regulations that establish rights for participants and impose general and specific responsibilities on researchers and institutions. It is necessary for all members of the Adelaide University Community to obtain appropriate ethics clearance before commencing any activity involving human research.

The University has established Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) to review research proposals that involve human participants to ensure that they meet ethical standards and guidelines. These guidelines include the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025) (National Statement). The HRECs review research undertaken by, or in collaboration with Adelaide University.

The Committees are responsible for approving and monitoring of ethical aspects of higher risk research conducted by members of the Adelaide University Community, as defined by the National Statement and in accordance with other National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) or relevant guidance.

HREC approval is one aspect of the University’s governance processes. Researchers must satisfy all other institutional and external compliance and research governance requirements prior to commencing research.

The University has also established committees to review ethical aspects of lower risk research.

Human Research Ethics Committee

Email: hrec@adelaide.edu.au

Adelaide University has established Animal Ethics Committees (AECs). The AECs are responsible for reviewing and overseeing research projects and other activities involving the care and use of animals, and for approving only those that are ethically acceptable and compliant with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (Code), and relevant legislation. The AEC is also responsible for promoting the responsibilities of researchers to undertake ethical research in compliance with the Code and applicable legislation.

The AECs are established in accordance with the provisions of the South Australian Animal Welfare Act 1985 (the Act) (as may be amended from time to time) and the Code and that of any states/territories where the University is licensed to undertake animal-based research.

Adelaide University is licensed under the Act to acquire and use animals for the purposes of teaching, research and/or experimentation when approval has been granted by its AEC or an AEC approved by the University.

All members of the Adelaide University Community who wish to use animals for teaching, research or experimentation must obtain ethical approval in accordance with the requirements of the Code, prior to any use or involvement with animals and prior to commencing the research. No animal may be held or used for any purpose in the University until written approval has been obtained from the AEC.

In compliance with the Code, the University prohibits animal use for cosmetic testing and forced swim tests.

AEC approval is one aspect of the University’s governance processes. Researchers must satisfy all other institutional and external compliance and research governance requirements prior to commencing research.

Animal Ethics Committee

Email: aec@adelaide.edu.au

Adelaide University is committed to upholding ethical, humane, respectful and responsible care and use of animals for scientific purposes in line with current legislation and regulations. This includes the Animal Welfare Act 1985 and the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

Respect for animals and their welfare, and recognising animals as sentient beings, underpins all of the University’s research and teaching activities involving animals.

The University promotes respect and recognition through the principles of the 3Rs -  Replacement, Reduction, Refinement  for all animals involved with research and teaching. This includes promoting the use of animal alternatives when available. This is complemented by mandatory training programs for all animal users supported by facility and site staff including dedicated Veterinarians.

The University Veterinarian is responsible for overseeing the health and welfare of research and teaching animals involved in activities approved by the University’s Animal Ethics Committees across all University campuses.

University Veterinarian

Email: universityvet@adelaide.edu.au

Adelaide University is an accredited organisation with the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and has an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

All organisations that conduct genetic manipulation work are required to abide by the Gene Technology Act 2000 (Cth), Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (Cth) and the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) Guidelines (as may be amended from time to time).

The IBC provides advice on the identification and management of risks associated with gene technology and acts as an interface between the OGTR and the University. The IBC is constituted in line with the requirements of the Gene Technology Act, the Gene Technology Regulations, and AS/NZS 2243.3:2022 Safety in Laboratories Part 3: Microbiological Aspects and Containment.

The IBC also fulfils the role of a Biosafety Committee defined within AS/NZS 2243.3:2022, and identifies and oversees the management of risks arising from microbiological research.

IBC approval is one aspect of the University’s governance processes. Researchers must also meet all other institutional and external compliance requirements prior to commencing research.

In addition to fulfilling the University’s obligations under the Gene Technology Act, the IBC may be accessed by other accredited organisations for advice and assessment.

Institutional Biosafety Committee

Email: ibc@adelaide.edu.au

Please refer to the Adelaide University Research Integrity Policy for detailed information about research integrity and how to make a complaint about a potential breach of the Code at Adelaide University.

For general enquiries, please contact the Research Integrity team:

Email: researchintegrity@adelaide.edu.au

Support for Adelaide University Staff and Students

The Research Compliance, Ethics and Integrity team provides resources, advice and assistance to Adelaide University staff and students regarding research integrity, research compliance obligations and research ethics.

For more information

Adelaide Compliance & Ethics System (ACES)

ACES is Adelaide University’s online research compliance and ethics system for managing animal research ethics, human research ethics and gene technology/biosafety applications.
Learn more about ACES