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:
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
- Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
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 2026 Applications to be submitted by 12 pm | FNQ HREC meeting dates 2026 (Every 5 weeks) |
|---|---|
| 18 December | 15 January |
| 29 January | 19 February |
| 5 March | 26 March |
| 9 April | 30 April |
| 14 May | 4 June |
| 18 June | 9 July |
| 23 July | 13 August |
| 27 August | 17 September |
| 1 October | 22 October |
| 5 November | 26 November |
For more details, refer to:
Join the FNQ HREC
The FNQ HREC is seeking volunteers from diverse backgrounds to join our committee. As a member, you will play an important role in reviewing health research proposals to help ensure they are safe and ethical for everyone involved.
Being part of the committee is a meaningful way to contribute to research happening in our region, and you will be joining a collaborative and supportive team.
We welcome people from a wide range of backgrounds and are currently seeking expressions of interest from:
- community members who are not employed by a hospital or health service
- pastoral care workers, community leaders, or religious leaders
- qualified lawyers, whether currently practising or not.
You do not need a health background to apply.
How to join
- Read the HREC factsheet [PDF 158.87 KB]
- For more information view the expression of interest flyer [PDF 328.56 KB].
- Email your cover letter and CV to FNQ_HREC@health.qld.gov.au
Contact us
- Email: FNQ_HREC@health.qld.gov.au
- Phone the HREC Coordinator: 07 4226 5513