UNSW Human Research Ethics Committee Member – Layman

University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is seeking individuals to serve as external members of the Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC). The role of the members of the UNSW HRECs is to review research proposals involving human subjects and ensure that activities comply with the requirements of the National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007, updated 2018) (National Statement, NS) and are ethically acceptable (NS 5.2.2). Review against University policies and procedures is also part of the role.

The HREC reviews research projects that involve humans from many disciplines at UNSW, with origins in all UNSW Faculties. The role of the HREC is to protect the welfare, rights, dignity and safety of research participants.

We are seeking a Layman (male) member of the general public who does not have an affiliation with UNSW and does not currently engage in medical, scientific, legal or academic work.

The Committee’s membership comprises a chairperson, external lay members, external professional care members, external lawyers, pastoral care members and experienced researchers encompassing the range of disciplines at UNSW.

UNSW has two committees that meet on a monthly basis at the Kensington campus. This position is for the HREC A which meets on the first Tuesday of the month.

• Meetings start at 1pm and generally continue until 4pm. The number of applications to be reviewed varies between 15 and 25 submissions per committee per month.
• Each member of the Committee is assigned as a lead reviewer for about 2-3 applications per month and as a second reviewer on a similar number of applications.
• Each member receives an email which includes a link to the agenda, minutes from previous month’s meeting and a combined file of each application to be reviewed. Members are expected to complete all pre-reading before the meeting. Preparations for the meeting usually takes between 4 and 5 hours a month. Members are appointed for a term of 3 years.

Submissions of Expressions of Interests

All submissions for expressions of interests must be emailed to humanethics@unsw.edu.au and must in the following documentation:

Cover letter: A supporting statement of up to two pages addressing following points;

Specify the membership category that you are expressing an interest in and outline the reason you are interested in becoming a member.

Outline how your interests and/or your personal, professional or volunteering experience will assist you in carrying out your role as a member of the human research ethics committee.

Confirm that you can accommodate the time commitment as a volunteer member of the committee.

Curriculum Vitae: A copy of your CV, including email, preferred telephone contact number, and names of two referees.