All research projects focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people require ethical clearance approval before the project begins. This assures the Indigenous Australian communities involved that their rights, culture and heritage are respected, that they understand the aims and methods of the research, and that they will share in the results of this work. This is a requirement of the guidelines for ethical research in Australian Indigenous studies (GERAIS), which embody the best standards of ethical research and human rights.
The following steps will assist you in completing a successful application:
- Read GERAIS. This will allow you to be aware of the ethical practices involved and your obligations to participants in research related to Australian Indigenous studies.
- The Ethical Clearance Proposal is the primary application document that will outline all of the details relating to your proposed research for the ethics Committee to review. It also includes a checklist at the bottom to ensure you have included all of the relevant information for ethical review.
- The Participant Information Sheet and Informed Consent Form will outline to the participants what the proposed research is about and how it will be carried out and ensure their free, prior and informed consent when participating in any aspect of the proposed research.
Applications can be emailed to the Research Ethics Committee Secretariat: ethics@aiatsis.gov.au or via post to Research Ethics Committee Secretariat, PO Box 553, Canberra ACT 2601