Research Governance
At QIMR Berghofer, we pride ourselves on the high standards and expectations that our research is conducted responsibly, safely, and scientifically and ethically sound to meet all the regulatory and legal requirements. We also ensure that all funding sourced for our research is utilised responsibly and efficiently, and all research data and records are secured and protected.
How is research 'governed' at QIMR Berghofer?
All research at QIMR Berghofer is performed ethically and adheres with the appropriate State, National and International legislations, regulations, and guidelines. Research Governance at QIMR Berghofer is run by three departments.
Research Ethics and Clinical Trials
The Research Ethics and Clinical Trial Office works with researchers to ensure compliance with ethical standards and legislative requirements, and, provides guidance, advice and training to QIMR Berghofer Investigators, Project Managers and other personnel involved in the conduct of clinical trials, and has a role in ensuring that QIMR Berghofer meets its obligations as a Clinical Trial Sponsor.
Research Integrity Office
The Research Integrity Office promotes and assists in the responsible conduct of research at QIMR Berghofer in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018).
Research Grants Office
The Research Grants Office assist researchers with research development and, the pre- and post-award management of grants to ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory obligations.
How do we ensure high quality research at QIMR Berghofer?
Research at QIMR Berghofer is performed ethically and adheres with the appropriate state, national and international legislation, regulations, and guidelines.
Animal Ethics
Research involving animals at QIMR Berghofer is assessed and approved by the QIMR Berghofer Animal Ethics Committee (QIMR Berghofer-AEC) to ensure compliance of regulatory guidelines. The QIMR Berghofer-AEC is assisted by the Animal Scientific Sub-Committee which provides on scientific/technical assessment and evaluation of research protocols, and compliance and regulatory requirements. Therefore, animal research at QIMR Berghofer complies with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (QLD), Animal Care and Protection Regulations 2012 (QLD) and the Australian Code for the Use of Animals in Scientific Purposes.
Post Approval Monitoring
A Post Approval Monitoring Program has been created at QIMR Berghofer to monitor projects involving animals used for scientific purposes and to provide additional support and guidance during approved projects. The program incorporates a pro-active and educational approach and involves strong collaboration with the QIMR Berghofer-AEC and researchers. This program will assist in preventing the occurrence and continuation of compliance issues that may affect the integrity of the project.
Human Ethics
Research involving humans at QIMR Berghofer is assessed and approved by the QIMR Berghofer Human Research Ethics Committee (QIMR Berghofer-HREC) to ensure maintenance of ethical standards and compliance with regulatory guidelines. The QIMR Berghofer-HREC is committed to the ethical conduct of research involving humans by following the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007.
Click to read more about Human Research Ethics at QIMR Berghofer
All Research produced at QIMR Berghofer is performed and disseminated with honesty and transparency.
QIMR Berghofer is committed to upholding the highest integrity standards in research and endorses the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018; the Code). In support of the Code, QIMR Berghofer has a Policy on the Responsible Conduct of Research and Research Misconduct. QIMR Berghofer adheres to a Research Integrity Framework to ensure that all research is conducted in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
The Research Integrity Office is responsible for managing research integrity at QIMR Berghofer and providing training and education to ensure all researchers understand their obligations, rights and responsibilities. The role of the Research Integrity Office also includes handling queries and concerns regarding Research Integrity. The Research Integrity Office follows QIMR Berghofer’s Procedures for Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research when managing concerns regarding Research Integrity. Our Procedures for Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research follows NHMRC’s Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018.
If you have a Research Integrity concern but wish to remain anonymous, this can be achieved by contacting YourCall either:
- Online: https://www.yourcall.com.au/report. Disclosers will be required to enter the Institute’s unique identifier code QIMRB.
- By phone using Your Call’s external reporting hotline: 1300 790 228 (9 am to midnight AEST on business days).
Please refer to Institute’s Public Interest Disclosure Policy for further information.
At QIMR Berghofer, research funding and public donations are utilised efficiently and effectively to advance research in the medical field.
We are committed to ensuring that all research funding is appropriately spent to maximise high quality research outputs.
Research Governance at QIMR Berghofer
Our Research Governance team comprises of an optimal mix of ex-research scientists, accountants, and staff with animal welfare, clinical research, financial, and legal qualifications. As a result, we have the expertise to deal with any research-related matter.
Contact the QIMR Berghofer Research Ethics and Clinical Trials Office
Questions relating to animal/human Research activity or clinical trials at QIMR Berghofer should be directed to the Research Ethics and Clinical Trials Office.
Animal Research / Animal Ethics Committee (AEC)
T +61 7 3362 0259
F +61 7 3362 0109
Human Research / Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
T +61 7 3362 0117
F +61 7 3362 0109
Contact the QIMR Berghofer Research Integrity Office
Questions relating to research integrity at QIMR Berghofer should be directed to the Research Integrity Office.
T +61 7 3845 3944
Contact the QIMR Berghofer Grants Office
Questions relating to grants/grants management at QIMR Berghofer should be directed to the Grants Office.
Institute policies
QIMR Berghofer - Dealing with a Complaint (disclosure) Involving the Director & CEO Policy
QIMR Berghofer Public Interest Disclosure Policy 2022
Research Integrity Framework
Policy on the Responsible Conduct of Research and Research Misconduct
Procedures for Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
Keep exploring
Human Research Ethics Committee
All human research carried out at QIMR Berghofer requires an adherence to the appropriate state, national and international legislation, regulations and guidelines. QIMR Berghofer-HREC has been formed to assist investigators with meeting these requirements.
Animal Ethics Committee
QIMR Berghofer is committed to the ethical care and use of animals for scientific purposes.