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Answers many frequently asked questions about the research ethics and governance process.
There are currently four research offices that support Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) within the South Australian public health system.
Researchers should apply to the most relevant Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for their study. Generally this is the HREC that is associated with the institution where the research is to be conducted, however it can also include where the Principal Investigator is located, the type of research and the specialties of the HREC.
If unsure, please contact a relevant Executive Officer and discuss the matter with them.
All four SA Health HRECs have been certified by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to conduct the single ethical and scientific review of NMA human research proposals relevant to their expertise.
The DHW HREC is the primary HREC reviewing data linkage projects in South Australia. The committee evaluates and manages proposals conducted by SA Health staff and/or external researchers seeking access to SA Health data and/or clients.
DHW HREC certification research categories include:
The CALHN HREC is responsible for the ethical and scientific review of research proposals, including clinical trials and health/medical research projects associated with CALHN. This includes the Royal Adelaide Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
CALHN HREC certification categories include:
The SAC HREC is a joint committee of Southern Adelaide Local Health Network and Flinders University. The SAC HREC reviews
research, including clinical trials, being undertaken within SA Health (including SALHN, DASSA and SA Ambulance Service), Flinders University, as well as applications from external organisations which have requested the SAC HREC review studies on their behalf. and Flinders University. The SAC HREC reviews research, including clinical trials, being undertaken within SA Health (including SALHN, DASSA and SA Ambulance Service), Flinders University, as well as applications from external organisations which have requested the SAC HREC review studies on their behalf.
SALHN includes the Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Health Service and Southern Mental Health services.
SAC HREC certification categories include:
The WCHN HREC undertakes ethical review of paediatric research, research pertaining to women’s health and projects in obstetrics and gynaecology. The WCHN HREC undertakes ethical review for research conducted at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and all other SA Health sites, as well as other institutions when requested.
The WCHN is the primary paediatric HREC in South Australia
WCHN HREC certification categories include:
Research projects within the six regional local health networks should be submitted through one of the metropolitan HRECs listed above.
Approval from the Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC) needs to be sought for any research that involves:
AHREC review is required in addition to the review by an appropriate SA Health HREC, if both organisations are involved in the research. If you are unsure whether your research requires AHREC approval, please contact the Aboriginal Health Council for advice.
SA NT DataLink is part of an Australian wide national data linkage network, the Population Health Research Network (PHRN). SA NT DataLink supports population-based data linkage research and provides access to accurate and unbiased information held by Government agencies and other organisations that can better inform research, policies and practices. For further information and details about applications, refer to the SA NT DataLink website.
In addition to the ethical review of research, it is mandatory that researchers obtain governance review in the form of a site specific assessment (SSA) before commencing research at any SA Health site. These distinct and important reviews ensure the quality of research and maintain the welfare of research participants. The SA Health research governance page has further information about this process, including details of how to submit an SSA application.