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 (PDF file, 777kb) 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 more structured and accountable governance framework will enable the University to oversee research ethics, integrity and compliance issues and deal with those that require an institutional response.
In creating this framework, the Research Integrity, Accountability and Compliance Committee (RIACC) was established, and the Chemical and Biological Hazards Committee and Australian Code Steering Committee disestablished. The two subcommittees of the former Committee (Chemical Hazards Subcommittee and Institutional Biosafety Committee) now report direct to 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 will also assume responsibility for implementation of the Australian Code, which was formerly undertaken by the Australian Code Steering Committee.
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