About

Office of Research Ethics and Integrity

Gene Technology

Gene Technology is any work involving the modification of organisms by the direct incorporation (or deletion) of one or more genes to introduce or alter specific characteristic(s).  The resultant organisms are referred to as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

In Australia, this work is regulated by the Gene Technology Act and associated Regulations, which are administered through the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).  

All work involving GMOs at Monash University must be assessed and approved by the Monash University Institutional Biosafety Committee (MUIBC) before commencement.

Human Ethics

Human research as defined in the National Statement on ethical conduct in human research (2007) is "research conducted with or about people, or their data or tissue". 

The Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC) reviews all research involving human participants at the University and primarily considers issues that constitute integrity, respect for persons, beneficence, justice, consent, research merit and safety.

Animal Ethics

In Victoria, the use of animals for research and teaching is regulated by Part 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA) and Part 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008. Under the POCTA, the conduct of Scientific Procedures using animals in Victoria must be licensed by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) and approved by the responsible Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).

Any person at Monash University who wishes to use animals in research or teaching must first obtain approval from their School or Faculty Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).