The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Research Ethics Committee is responsible for reviewing all AIATSIS research projects involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants to ensure the appropriate ethical standards have been met.
All research projects focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people require ethical clearance approval before the project begins. This is a requirement of the guidelines for ethical research in Australian Indigenous studies, which embody the best standards of ethical research and human rights.
Queries or complaints relating to ethical research at AIATSIS can be directed here.
Meeting dates
The AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee holds four meetings per year, during which ethical clearance proposals are reviewed. Notification of the Committee's decision is provided by post 10 working days after each meeting, and if successful, posted on the approved research ethics proposals page. A list of meeting and submission dates are below:
| Meeting No. | Meeting Date | Closing Date for submission of ethics applications |
|---|---|---|
| 2017/1 | 21 February 2017 | 2 February 2017 |
| 2017/2 | 16 May 2017 | 1 May 2017 |
| 2017/3 | 8 August 2017 | 25 July 2017 |
| 2017/4 | 14 November 2017 | 1 November 2017 |
| Forms | Description |
|---|---|
| Ethical Clearance Proposal | This document outlines all of the necessary details relating to the applicant’s research proposal for consideration by the ethics committee. |
| Participant Information Sheet & Informed Consent Form | This document includes all of the necessary information relating to the proposed research in a format that the research participant can easily understand. Based on this information the participant can then consider their participation, free of coercion, in order to provide their informed consent. |
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies (GERAIS) | AIATSIS' GERAIS promote a process of meaningful engagement and reciprocity between researchers and Indigenous people. |
| AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee Charter | This document outlines the role and responsibilities of the AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee and its Members. |
| National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans 2007 | Guidelines made in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992. |
| Australian Code of the Responsible Conduct of Research | This publication guides institutions and researchers in responsible research practices and promotes integrity in research for researchers. |
| Values and Ethics – guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research | The document contains guidelines for ethical health research on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
| Keeping Research on Track: A guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about health research ethics | A community guide and companion document to Values and Ethics – guidelines for ethical conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health |
| Aboriginal Knowledge and Intellectual Property Protocol Community Guide | This protocol was developed by Ninti One and outlines ways researchers and Aboriginal communities can work together whilst respecting the rights of everyone involved. |
| Ask First: A guide to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values |
Developed by the Australian Heritage Commission, this is a practical guide for land developers, land users and managers which outlines the consultation and negotiation process with Indigenous stakeholders to address Indigenous heritage issues |