Research and Clinical Trials Excellence Plan
Since 1993, the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) has been an active partner in research and clinical trials.
Partner with us
We have the expertise and facilities to work with you on your research projects and clinical trials.
Take part in research
We’re committed to giving our patients, their care givers and families all the information they need to decide if they’d like to take part in a research study, clinical trial or join the Human Research Ethics Committee.
Read more about how to take part in research.
Now accepting expressions of interest for committee members
We are currently inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) for new members to join the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
For details on how to apply view the EOI flyer [PDF 720.55 KB].
For more information about how the HREC works, upcoming meeting dates, and how to get involved see Far North Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee.
Our research projects
Find our research projects and other information on the Queensland Health Database of Research Activity (DoRA 2.0) website.
Start a human research project
If you're about to start a research project find out about the application processes and how to report on your project's progress.
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Apply for ethics approval
All research projects must follow an ethics approval process.
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Apply for governance authorisation
Site-specific assessment (SSA) of research projects before they begin.
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Apply for quality assurance activity
Activities that don't need to go through the full ethics review process.
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Ethics - post approval submission requirements
After receiving ethics approval and governance authorisation, you'll need to report on project progress.
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Governance - post authorisation submission
Report any changes or updates to your research project.
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Human Research Ethics Committee
Our Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) reviews health research projects that help shape the future of health care.
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Research grants and support
Research grant and funding opportunities available to help facilitate research.
Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC)
A health research collaboration between several Northern Queensland health stakeholders.
Research integrity
If you have a complaint, concern or question about research conducted at the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, please contact:
Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
If the study has been approved by the Far North Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee, please contact the FNQ HREC coordinator by emailing FNQ_HREC@health.qld.gov.au or by phoning 07 4226 5513.
Research Governance Officer (RGO)
If the study has been approved by another HREC, please contact the RGO by emailing RGO_CHHHS@health.qld.gov.au or by phoning 07 4226 5512.
You can also discuss any concerns you have with your treating doctor, nurse, midwife or allied health professional. Their contact details will be on the Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form (PICF) you received.
For all other enquiries or concerns, please email CHHHS_Research_Business@health.qld.gov.au.
News
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07 June 2026
Research in action: Cairns Hospital to launch new Clinical Trials Centre of Excellence
Cairns patients will gain early access to cutting-edge new treatments with a new Clinical Trials Research Centre featuring eight dedicated beds as part of the hospital’s $1 billion expansion. -
02 June 2026
Cairns to become world leader in venom treatment
Cairns is set to become the world’s venom capital, launching a groundbreaking Toxicology Centre of Excellence to tackle the planet’s deadliest creatures - from box jellyfish to taipans. -
28 November 2025
‘Medical science has given me my life back’: Patient’s breath of fresh air after clinical trial
A Cairns grandmother with a chronic lung condition is breathing better for the first time in decades after being involved in new medical research at Cairns Hospital.