Section 4 Deep-dive: Chapter 4.5 - People experiencing physical or mental ill-health or disability We've previously explored the overarching changes to Section 4 of the National Statement in the 2025 edition. This deep-dive focuses specifically on Chapter 4.5, which addresses research involving peo... Analysis
Position Statement: Scope of Ethical Review Introduction Ethical review is a cornerstone of responsible research and evaluation practice. It provides independent oversight to ensure that projects are conducted with appropriate consideration of ... Analysis
Understanding "Harm" and "Discomfort" in Research and Evaluation In the realms of program and policy evaluation, social research, and market research, it is crucial to distinguish between "harm" and "discomfort." These terms, while sometimes used interchangeably, r... Analysis
Ethical Data Management in Evaluation and Research In evaluation, social research, and market research, data is not just a technical asset — it is a reflection of people’s lived experiences, identities, and trust. Ethical data management is a cornerst... Analysis
Position Statement: Data retention in evaluation and research Introduction Data collection is a fundamental part of evaluation, social research, and market research. In a way, data are the lifeblood of these fields; after all, without data we would be unable to ... Analysis
Principle Deep-dive 5: Respect Respect is one of the core principles that underpin ethical human research, alongside beneficence, justice, and research merit and integrity. It refers to the recognition of the intrinsic value of hum... Analysis
Section 4 Deep-dive: The 2025 Update We've previously considered the principles of the National Statement and how each of these apply in the context of evaluation, social research, and market research. Our next deep-dive series looks at ... Analysis
Principle Deep-dive 4: Beneficence Beneficence is one of the four core principles that underpin ethical human research, alongside respect, justice, and research merit and integrity. It refers to the obligation of researchers and evalua... Analysis
Position Statement: Research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities Introduction Part of our model of operation is being transparent with the communities we serve on our positions in relation to ethical review. We've received a lot of enquiries in relation to our capa... Analysis
A plain English summary of the National Statement Introduction The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025 is the most important document about ethics for researchers and evaluators in Australia. But it's a big document. It's not... Analysis
Principle Deep-dive 3: Justice Justice is a principle that often evokes ideas of fairness, equity, and impartiality. In the context of human research ethics, it demands that researchers consider not only what is done, but to whom, ... Analysis
Managing Conflicts of Interest Introduction Clear and effective management of conflicts of interest is fundamental to maintaining public trust. It plays a large part in ensuring the integrity of our institutions, and this applies e... Analysis