Ethics and Governance

Although there are some exceptions, almost all research studies conducted at Gold Coast Health must be submitted for ethical approval and governance authorisation before a study can commence. These steps assess the potential benefits and harms to participants (ethics) and the organisation (governance). The Research Ethics and Governance Officers (REGOs) process all research applications at Gold Coast Health.

Before starting a research project, researchers must have ethics approval.

View frequently asked questions.

Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service has a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) that reviews proposed research projects for our hospitals and health centres, as well as external institutions. Our HREC is registered and certified with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Our registration number is EC00160.

Research application fees are charged for new research project applications and amendments to approved research projects for both ethics and governance review at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.

Some lower-risk activities, including quality improvement and clinical audits, don't need to go through a full ethics review process.

Each facility is responsible for research that involves any of its sites.

Depending on the type of research being undertaken, additional levels of approval may be required according to current legislation or policy. Researchers will be notified by the REGOs accordingly.