Annual Report 2015–2016

Outcome 3: Continue review of research ethics standards and guidelines
PART 2 Performance Report
Significant progress has been achieved with the review of research ethics standards and guidelines, many of
which are associated with highly sensitive and complex issues. This is particularly the case for the ethical
guidelines for assisted reproductive technology in clinical practice, and for research involving Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples. Review of these guidelines has been managed to ensure that all relevant
issues are being considered in a comprehensive and sensitive manner. The inclusion of case studies in
several ethical guidelines has been strongly supported by stakeholders as an effective mechanism to clarify
complex issues. The completion of the ethical guidelines for organ transplantation from deceased donors
within the project timeframes was the outcome of a successful collaboration between NHMRC and the
Organ and Tissue Authority. Ensuring the provision of up-to-date principles and best practice guidance
in both human and animal research is being achieved through the ongoing revision of Section 3 of the
National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, and the development of guidance for research
involving non-human primates. The review of these guidelines will effectively address the needs identified by
the sectors.
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Annual Report of the National Health and Medical Research Council 2015–2016