Researchers: what you need to know
The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (PDF file, 508kb) and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007 place greater emphasis on institutional responsibilities and accountability in the conduct of ethical research and more clearly outline the responsibilities of researchers and institutions.
The University's response to the Australian Code
The Australian Code requires that institutions provide an appropriate research governance framework through which research is assessed for 'quality, safety, privacy, risk management, financial management and accountabilities of those who play a part in research' (Australian Code Section 1.2.1).
UniSA Governance Framework: managing research integrity, accountability and compliance
In response, the University's Academic Board approved the establishment of an institutional governance framework in March 2008. In doing so, the University has moved from an organic system with input from separate, disconnected ethics and compliance subcommittees to a more formal reporting relationship for these subcommittees, reporting through to Academic Board. This structured and accountable governance framework enables the University to oversee research ethics, integrity and compliance issues and deal with those that require an institutional response.
In creating this framework, Academic Board established the Research Integrity, Accountability and Compliance Committee (RIACC). RIACC plays a pivotal role within the governance framework as it receives formal reports from its five subcommittees (National Statement Steering Committee, Human Research Ethics Committee, Institutional Biosafety Committee, Chemical Hazards Subcommittee and Animal Ethics Liaison Committee) and addresses issues requiring an institutional response. RIACC is responsible for implementation of the Australian Code.
Contact
RIACC has appointed two Code Coordinators - Professor Ian Richards, Chair: UniSA HREC (tel: +61 8 830 24526 email Ian.Richards@unisa.edu.au) and Dr Mark Hochman, Director: Research and Innovation Services (tel: +61 8 830 23471 email Mark.Hochman@unisa.edu.au). The Code Coordinators are responsible for overseeing the range of activities, including consultation, associated with developments towards compliance with the Code.
UniSA Governance Framework
Link to more information about the committee from the committee name in the diagram.
Approved Academic Board (AB2008/2/28) 28 March 2008