Human Research Ethics

Southern Cross University is committed to ensuring that all research involving human participants is conducted ethically, in line with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025 | NHMRC.

Ethical research is at the heart of responsible and accountable inquiry. In a time of rapid scientific and technological change, the work of the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) helps ensure that human dignity, equity, and care remain central to research at SCU.

We champion the core principles of research merit and integrity, beneficence, respect, and justice as the foundation of a vibrant, inclusive research culture. Ethics review supports a shared commitment to doing research that matters; and doing it well.

In supporting ethical research, the HREC contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDGs 3, 5, 10, 16 and 17.

Ethics is everyone’s business. Together, we create a culture where ethical thinking is embedded in every stage of research: from idea to impact. Human Research Ethics review helps protect participants, promote equity, and support research that benefits our communities and the wider world.

Human participation in research includes a variety of activities such as surveys, interviews, medical testing, clinical and nonclinical observations, and the use of personal data or biological samples. 

The university has developed detailed procedures for obtaining ethics approval for a proposed research study. The process is managed through SCU's dedicated research system, IRMA. These procedures and the support provided by the Human Research Ethics team are designed to uphold the highest standards of ethical research in humans. 

Please be aware

May and early June mark the most intense period in our review calendar. Submissions during this time may become subject to unavoidable delays. We recommend scheduling applications to avoid this high-pressure window where possible.