Australian Institute of Family Studies Human Research Committee

Overview

The Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) ensures all research involving people, their data, or tissue meets the highest ethical standards in line with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Operating independently and accountable to the AIFS Director, the HREC reviews, approves, and monitors research proposals to protect participants’ rights, welfare, and privacy while promoting integrity in research practices.

Its responsibilities include assessing research protocols, monitoring compliance, handling complaints, and reporting annually to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Research is classified by risk level, guiding the scrutiny applied, and the HREC may suspend or terminate projects that fail to comply or pose unforeseen risks.