Ethics
The University of Melbourne Code of Conduct for Research sets out the obligations on all University researchers, to be aware of the ethical framework governing research at the University and to comply with institutional and regulatory requirements.
All research involving human subjects by students and staff in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies must comply with the Melbourne Research Human Ethics guidelines and procedures for ethical research.
Contact Information
Ethics Administrator
Miss Sarah Gloger
T: (+61 3) 9035 7501
E: sgloger@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
All research undertaken by students and staff at the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies involving human subjects must conform to the Melbourne Research Office Human Ethics protocols that support ethical research. All research involving human participants in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies is conducted according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). Our School Human Research Ethics Advisory Group (HEAG) operates according to these guidelines in conjunction with the guidelines for ethical research conduct established by the University of Melbourne.
Who needs Ethics Clearance?
Any use of human subjects as part of information gathering or data collection for the purposes of research as part of your Graduate Research Degree requires human ethics clearance.
This may include:
- Gathering information about human subjects and/or organisations via interviews, surveys, face-to-face or online questionnaires, or if you intent to observe, audio or video tape human subjects
- Using archived data in which individuals are identifiable
- Studying or research illegal activities
Human Ethics clearance must be granted before you can commence any research involving human subjects.
If you are unsure if your project needs Ethics Clearance, you should consult:
- Your supervisor
- The SHAPS Ethics Chair
- The University Ethics Office
SHAPS Human Research Ethics Advisory Group (HEAG)
All Ethics applications from the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies are assessed in the first instance by the School's HEAG, which is made up of representatives from the School's different disciplinary areas. The HEAG will provide the researcher with expert feedback and, when appropriate, approval or referral to the relevant University committee.
2012 Committee Members
Semester One |
|
|---|---|
| Helen Verran, Chair | hrv@unimelb.edu.au |
| Petronella Nell | pnel@unimelb.edu.au |
| Catherine Kovesi | c.kovesi@unimelb.edu.au |
| Francesca Minerva | francesca.minerva@unimelb.edu.au |
Semester Two |
|
| Kate McGregor, Chair | k.mcgregor@unimelb.edu.au |
| Petronella Nell | pnel@unimelb.edu.au |
| Kristian Camilleri | kcam@unimelb.edu.au |
| Francesca Minerva | francesca.minerva@unimelb.edu.au |
Application Process
Getting started
Before commencing your application, please consult the University's step by step guide on creating and submitting an ethics application. This will take you through the application process, including creation, classification and submission of your ethics application.
Application Types
There are a number of ethics application types which are detailed on the Melbourne Research website. In the process setting up and creating an application, the ethics module will help ascertain what kind of application it will be.
Creating and submitting an application
All applications are created and submitted initially via the Human Ethics module in Themis, with a fully signed hardcopy to be submitted for the committee's review.
All University of Melbourne staff and Research Higher Degree students have access to Themis. If you have not used Themis before, you will need to set up your account via the Account Registration System. If you are having difficulty using Themis, you should consult the reference cards or contact the Themis help desk.
Meeting dates and submission deadlines
Ethics applications can take several months to finalise, from submission to approval stage, and please be aware that Project proposals may take longer. Once submitted, each application is reviewed and feedback given before either resubmission, final approval or referral to the HESC committee can be finalised. Please remember to apply early to allow adequate time for this process of feedback, revision and approval.
One fully signed hard copy of the application, application summary and all attachments must be submitted to the Ethics Administrator before the meeting deadlines.
After consideration and approval by the HEAG, Project applications will be submitted directly to the HESC. Please note, late applications will not be accepted.
Generating your application summary
Please remember to submit an application summary with the hardcopy of your application.
You can find instructions here, but please remember that the application summary selected must reflect your application type.
How to printing an ethics application summary and related attachments (160kb pdf)
Things to remember
- You must lodge an electronic copy with all attachments via Themis, before printing and submitting the application, summary and attachments in hard copy
- All researchers must sign the printed application prior to submission
- Make sure the application is complete before signing and submitting
- Make sure you generate and attach your application summary
Meeting Dates and Submission Deadlines for 2012
Meeting No. |
Submission Deadline for School HEAG |
Submission Deadline for Central HESC (Project applications only) |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting 1/2012 | 3 January | 24 January |
| Meeting 2/2012 | 31 January | 21 February |
| Meeting 3/2012 | 28 February | 20 March |
| Meeting 4/2012 | 17 April | 8 May |
| Meeting 5/2012 | 15 May | 5 June |
| Meeting 6/2012 | 3 July | 24 July |
| Meeting 7/2012 | 7 August | 28 August |
| Meeting 8/2012 | 4 September | 25 September |
| Meeting 9/2012 | 2 October | 23 October |
| Meeting 10/2012 | 30 October | 20 November |