The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research operates under strict ethical guidelines. Please see the links below for our detailed Research Policies
Joint NHMRC / AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice (1997)
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/funding/policy/researchprac.htm
This “Joint Statement and Guidelines” replaces the “NH&MRC Statement on Scientific Practice” (1990) and the AVCC ‘Guidelines for Responsible Practice in Research and Problems of Research Misconduct’ (1990). The Statement and Guidelines exist to guide institutions in developing their own procedures and guidelines, by providing a comprehensive framework of minimum acceptable standards.
Review of the Joint NHMRC / AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice (1997)
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/funding/policy/code.htm
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Vice Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) and the Australian Research Council (ARC) have established a Joint Working Group (JWG) to review the NHMRC/AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice (the Statement). The ARC is participating in the review of the Statement with the intention of formally endorsing the revised Statement. Consistent with the combined responsibilities of the ARC and the NHMRC, the revised Statement is required to have broad relevance across all research disciplines.
The JWG has carriage of two major projects:
- revising the Statement, and
- the identification of models designed to facilitate the investigation and management of research misconduct across all spheres of research.
While these projects will be managed separately, there will be substantial interaction between the two processes.
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans (2000)
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/e72syn.htm
The primary purpose of a statement of ethical principles and associated guidelines for research involving humans is the protection of the welfare and the rights of participants in research. There is an important secondary purpose of a statement of ethical principles and accompanying guidelines, and that is to facilitate research that is or will be of benefit to the researcher’s community or to humankind. The purpose of this Statement is to provide a national reference point for ethical consideration relevant to all research involving humans. It is the product of wide consultation and builds on the NHMRC Statement on Human Experimentation and Supplementary Notes (1992).
Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th edition 2004
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/ea16syn.htm
The purpose of the Code is to ensure the ethical and humane care and use of animals used
for scientific purposes as defined in the Code. The principles set out in the Code are for the
guidance of investigators, teachers, institutions, Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) and all
people involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
Policy on the Care and Use of Non-Human Primates for Scientific Purposes (2003)
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/ea14syn.htm
Whenever non-human primates are used for scientific purposes, the investigator must justify the use and weigh the scientific or educational value of the study against the potential effects on the welfare of the animal. Investigators are responsible for using animals humanely and treating them with respect as defined in the Code of Practice.
NHMRC/CHFA Statement on Consumer and Community Participation in Health and Medical Research (2001)
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/r22syn.htm
This Statement on Consumer and Community Participation in Health and Medical Research aims to provide a similar reference point for involving consumers and the community in research and in communicating about the role, benefits and results of research and consequences of new fields such as genomics. It will also include involving consumers in setting priorities across the full range of health issues and building of understanding to facilitate integrating research-based knowledge into policy and practice (based on recommendations made by Wills 1999).
NSW Health Code of Conduct (1997)
This document outlines the NSW Health Code of Conduct and applies to staff working in any permanent, temporary, casual, termed appointment or honorary capacity within any NSW Health facility. NSW Health provides a comprehensive range of health and health related services covering health protection, health promotion and education, research, health screening, diagnosis, treatment, transport, acute care, rehabilitation, continuing care for chronic illness, counselling, support and palliative care. These services are provided in a wide range of settings from primary care outposts to metropolitan based tertiary health centres and within patients/clients’ homes and are supported by a range of policy, corporate services and administrative functions.
The environment in which this Code of Conduct operates is a complex one. This Code of Conduct has been developed to assist staff by providing a framework for day to day decisions and actions while working in Health Services.