Within Metro North, researchers can submit their ethics applications to either Metro North Health A HREC (EC00172) or Metro North Health B HREC (EC00168).
HREC Schedule
Applications are due by 12:00pm (midday) on the submission closing date.
Late applications will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the research team to submit a completed application, including all requisite documentation and signatures, by the requisite date and time.
A maximum of 10 applications will be accepted per meeting.
If the quota for the meeting is met, the submission will be marked as ‘Unable to Review’ and it is recommended that the submission be made to another HREC. Alternatively, the application may be resubmitted for the following month’s meeting.
Low risk applications are reviewed out of session and can be submitted at any time.
| Hospital | Closing date | Meeting date |
|---|---|---|
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | Jan-24 | No Meeting |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 31-Jan-24 | 20-Feb-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 28-Feb-24 | 19-Mar-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 27-Mar-24 | 16-Apr-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 1-May-24 | 21-May-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 29-May-24 | 18-Jun-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 3-Jul-24 | 23-Jul-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 31-Jul-24 | 20-Aug-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 28-Aug-24 | 17-Sep-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 2-Oct-24 | 22-Oct-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 30-Oct-24 | 19-Nov-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC A (EC00172) | 27-Nov-24 | 10-Dec-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | Jan-24 | No Meeting |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 31-Jan-24 | 22-Feb-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 28-Feb-23 | 21-Mar-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 27-Mar-24 | 18-Apr-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 1-May-24 | 23-May-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 29-May-24 | 20-Jun-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 3-Jul-24 | 25-Jul-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 31-Jul-24 | 22-Aug-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 28-Aug-24 | 19-Sep-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 2-Oct-24 | 24-Oct-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 30-Oct-24 | 21-Nov-24 |
| Metro North Health HREC B (EC00168) | 27-Nov-24 | 12-Dec-24 |
Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
Metro North is a participant of the national approach to single ethical review of multi-centre research. Single ethical and scientific review of multi-centre clinical trials can occur via an appropriate NHMRC certified HREC in other jurisdictions and, for other study types, at another certified HREC in Queensland Health.
Metro North Health A Human Research Ethics Committee (EC00172) and Metro North Health B Human Research Ethics Committee (EC00168) are accredited under the NMA to review the following categories of research:
- Clinical trials phase I, II, III, IV
- Clinical trials surgery/drugs and devices
- Clinical interventional research other than clinical trials
- Population Health and/or public Health
- Qualitative Research
- Mental health
- Other health and medical research (community, drug and alcohol, nursing sexual health and HIV research, health services and molecular biology)
All research undertaken at our facilities should follow the principles and responsibilities set out in the following guidelines:
HREC Membership and Terms of Reference
HREC members volunteer their time to review ethics applications before a meeting and to meet once a month. HREC membership is for 3 years with the opportunity for renewal.
Prospective members of the HREC may be recruited by expression of interest, direct approach, nomination and advertisement, and are appointed in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (Section 5.1.34-5.1.36). If you are interested in volunteering your services, please contact either MetroNorthResearch-Ethics@health.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3646 5280.
Complaints
Metro North Health takes complaints and concerns raised by participants and/or researchers seriously, and uses them as an opportunity to facilitate general improvements in the conduct of research and review.
Where participants have a complaint or compliment they may refer to the Metro North Health complaints and compliments website in the first instance to identify an appropriate contact. As a complaint may be receipted via various channels, including the research office, clinical setting or the patient liaison service, a complaint will be managed in accordance with the Metro North Health Procedure on Consumer feedback, compliments and complaints.
Where a researcher has a complaint concerning the HREC’s review process, this should be made in writing and will be receipted by the HREC Administration and forwarded to the Chairperson for consideration and management in accordance with the HREC Terms of Reference.
Complaints can be forwarded to the Metro North Health HREC: