This article is part of the Iris Ethics Knowledge Base; you can find a directory of all articles here.
Overview
Anyone with a role in an application, real or perceived, must disclose the interest as soon as it becomes apparent. The National Statement requires review body members and researchers to disclose any interest that may constitute an actual or potential conflict of interest (NS 5.2.24; NS 5.3.11; NS Chapter 5.6). Iris Ethics extends the same obligation to its own staff (SOP section 11) and keeps a register of interests to record and monitor disclosures across all three groups.
Disclosure by HREC members
Any Panel or HREC member with a real or perceived financial or other interest in an application or related matter must declare it as soon as practicable (NS 5.2.24). Where the member is present at a meeting considering the matter, they withdraw until the Panel's consideration is complete; they do not participate in discussion and are not entitled to vote. Every declaration and the member's absence is recorded in the minutes (SOP section 11). If recusal would leave the Panel short of the minimum membership categories required by the National Statement (NS 5.1.30 to 5.1.32), the Chair and Managing Director replace the member with another HREC member able to fill the same role.
Disclosure by applicants
Applicants must disclose, as part of the application, any real or perceived financial or other interest that may constitute a conflict of interest, including involvement in competing research or evaluation (SOP section 11; NS 5.3.11). A disclosed interest does not automatically prevent the application proceeding; the HREC decides whether a management strategy is required as a condition of approval (see Managing conflicts).
Disclosure by Iris Ethics staff
Any Secretariat or other Iris Ethics staff member with a real or perceived interest in an application or related matter must declare it as soon as practicable to the Managing Director and/or Chair, who agree a management strategy (SOP section 11).
Register of interests
Iris Ethics maintains a register of interests covering members, applicants and staff, used to record disclosures, avoid known conflicts when selecting a Panel, and monitor management actions over time (SOP section 11).
Related resources
This page was last updated on 16 September 2026.
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This article makes reference to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025. It is intended as practical guidance and does not constitute legal advice.
AI Disclosure: Resources in this library were prepared using Large Language Models with input from Iris Ethics staff who guided the scope and design. Subsequent revisions and final versions were developed and approved by Iris Ethics staff.