Guidance

The Office of Research and Ethics is responsible for ensuring that the research conducted at Eastern Health meets the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The office provides administrative support to the Eastern Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and Subcommittee. The HREC and Subcommittee are responsible for providing ethical and scientific review of research projects and serve to protect the welfare of research participants. In addition, The Office of Research and Ethics ensures that all research at Eastern Health is conducted in line with Eastern Health research governance policy. Research governance refers to a framework that ensures research is conducted responsibly, safely and is scientifically and ethically sound. Research governance considers the legal compliance, financial management, accountability and risk management associated with a research project.

The Office of Research and Ethics has transitioned all project submissions to via Ethical Review Manager (ERM) with few exceptions (change of personnel, local safety report, Case Report and Clinical Quality Registry). The below information is general guidance regarding submissions.

For user or technical issues or assistance needed with ERM, please refer to https://www.clinicaltrialsandresearch.vic.gov.au/ethical-review-manager prior to contacting our office. This link provides information, training and contacts relating to ERM.

The Office of Research and Ethics are users of ERM, as applicants are, albeit on a different / reviewer platform. The Office will not be able to access any ERM form until the project has been submitted, nor we are allowed / able to amend any responses on any ERM forms.

For any queries or further information regarding submission please contact the Eastern Health Office of Research and Ethics:  ethics@easternhealth.org.au. Please provide us with an Eastern Health reference number, if possible, to speed up your enquiry.