About our Human Research Ethics Committee

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) has a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) which reviews proposed research in our hospitals and health centres that involve human participants, including projects involving patients, staff, data, or records, conducted within or associated with:

  • Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS)
  • Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS)

The FNQ HREC also reviews research projects involving non-Queensland Health sites within the CHHHS and TCHHS regions.

We’re registered with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Our registration number is EC00157.

Research undertaken at our facilities should follow the principles and responsibilities set out in the following guidelines:

Our goals

The FNQ HREC is committed to:

  • protecting the human rights, well-being and safety of all individuals participating in research projects
  • promoting ethical and high-quality research by upholding ethical standards and fostering responsible research through comprehensive review processes.

How the FNQ HREC works

Our HREC works in line with the NHMRC's National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2023 (National Statement).

We consider both the ethical and scientific validity of research projects in our hospitals and health centres.

The FNQ HREC is not certified under the National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) Scheme. As a result, we cannot review multicentre research projects that involve multiple health services or sites across Australia.

When the FNQ HREC meets

The FNQ HREC meets every 5 weeks to review applications for ethics approval.

Submission closing dates 2025
Applications to be submitted by 12 pm		 FNQ HREC meeting dates 2025
(Every 5 weeks)
2 January 23 January
6 February 27 February
13 March 3 April
17 April 8 May
22 May 12 June
26 June 17 July
31 July 21 August
4 September 25 September
9 October 30 October
13 November 4 December         

For more details, refer to:

Join the FNQ HREC

The FNQ HREC is seeking passionate volunteers from diverse backgrounds to join our team. As a member, you will play a vital role in reviewing health research projects that have the potential to transform health care.

Being part of the FNQ HREC is not only meaningful but also an opportunity to engage with a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to ethical and high-quality research.

We value diversity and inclusion, understanding that different perspectives strengthen our ability to ethically review health research projects. Our committee brings together individuals with a wide range of expertise and experiences, including:

  • Community members
  • Professionals with current knowledge and experience in the care or treatment of individuals
  • Pastoral care providers
  • Qualified lawyers
  • Individuals with current research experience

How to join

  1. Read the HREC factsheet [PDF 174.28 KB]
  2. Email your cover letter and CV to FNQ_HREC@health.qld.gov.au

Contact us

Last updated: February 2025

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