BACRS Research Ethics Committee
The BACRS Research Ethics Committee applies an ethical review framework informed by applicable national requirements and internationally recognized research ethics guidance.
Information for researchers
About the Ethics Committee
Scope of Ethical Review
Ethical Review Procedure
Application Guidelines
Required Documents
Informed Consent
Vulnerable Participants
Review Categories
Ethical Review Fees
Meeting Schedule
Submission & Review Timeline
Amendments & Renewals
Continuing Review
Adverse Event & SAE Reporting
Protocol Deviations
Research Integrity & Misconduct
Conflict of Interest
Research Data Protection & Confidentiality
Complaints & Appeals
Committee Composition
Terms of Reference
Standard Operating Procedures
Review categories
Exempt / Not Requiring Full Ethical Review
Applies only where the Committee's written policy allows (for example, work that is not human-subject research).
Expedited Review
For research meeting predefined low-risk criteria.
Full Committee Review
For research involving more than minimal risk or otherwise requiring full ethical review.
Continuing Review
Ongoing oversight of an approved study.
Amendment Review
Review of changes to an approved protocol.
Renewal
Renewal of an approval whose validity is ending.
Final / Closure Review
Review of the final report and closure of a study.
Twelve guiding ethical principles
Respect for persons
Participants are treated as autonomous individuals; those with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection.
Beneficence
Research should aim to benefit participants and society and to maximise possible benefits.
Non-maleficence
Researchers must avoid or minimise harm to participants, communities and the environment.
Justice
The burdens and benefits of research are distributed fairly; participant selection is equitable.
Informed consent
Participation is voluntary and based on adequate, understandable information, freely given.
Scientific validity
Studies must be scientifically sound, well designed and conducted by competent investigators.
Social value
Research must be capable of generating knowledge that is valuable for health and society.
Risk–benefit assessment
Foreseeable risks are justified by anticipated benefits and are continuously monitored.
Privacy and confidentiality
Personal data and samples are protected, collected only as needed and kept secure.
Protection of vulnerable participants
Additional safeguards apply to children, pregnant women, people lacking capacity and other vulnerable groups.
Independence and conflict of interest
Review is impartial; financial and other conflicts are disclosed and managed.
Integrity, transparency and accountability
Honest conduct, accurate reporting, registration and publication of results, and responsiveness to oversight.