Research ethics

Overview

Bond University is committed to fostering a research culture grounded in integrity, transparency, and respect. All researchers - staff and students - are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct throughout the entire research lifecycle.

Our approach to ethics is guided by the following core principles:

  • Respect – protecting autonomy, ensuring informed consent, and acknowledging the dignity of all participants.
  • Research merit and integrity – ensuring that all projects are well‑designed, conducted rigorously, and led by qualified investigators.
  • Justice – ensuring fair recruitment, equitable treatment of participants, and transparent decision‑making.
  • Beneficence – maximising potential benefits while minimising possible harms.

About the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)

Bond University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (BUHREC) is an accredited HREC responsible for reviewing all human research conducted under the auspices of the University. The Committee ensures that research involving human participants is designed and conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

The purpose of the HREC is to protect the rights, welfare, dignity, and privacy of participants, while supporting high‑quality research that contributes positively to knowledge and society.

In accordance with national requirements, the HREC includes Chair; Lay members (not affiliated with the University); Researcher members with relevant research experience; Legal member; Pastoral care/community representative; and a Member with professional care/clinical experience.

This diverse membership ensures that ethical issues are considered from scientific, legal, cultural, and participant‑centred perspectives.

MEETING DATES AND SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Policies and Regulations

Researchers should ensure their project aligns with the following key policies and regulatory frameworks:

These documents outline the standards for ethical decision-making, responsible research conduct, and accountability.

Application Pathways

Bond University provides several pathways for ethics review, depending on the project’s level of risk, methodology, and compliance requirements:

  • Exemption from Ethics Review – Some quality assurance, evaluation, and audit activities may be exempt from HREC review, provided they meet the criteria outlined in University policy. Researchers must still submit documentation for confirmation of exemption.
  • Prior Approvals – If research has been approved by another NHMRC‑registered HREC or external body, Bond requires submission of the prior approval documents for verification before the project can commence under Bond auspices.
  • Amendments - If there are any changes to the protocols previously approved by the Committee, researchers must apply for an amendment.
  • Negligible Risk Review – For projects where the only foreseeable risk is inconvenience.
  • Low Risk Review – For projects where the only foreseeable risk is discomfort.
  • Full HREC Review – Required for research involving more than low risk, interventions, vulnerable populations, sensitive data, complex methodologies, or projects requiring additional governance review (e.g., education sectors, health services, vulnerable groups).

All Bond templates are accessible via the Ethics SharePoint site: Templates and Forms.