Ethical clearance

If you're conducting research that involves human subjects or animals, you must follow UQ's ethical clearance procedures. 

All research students - from undergraduates up to and including HDR (Higher Degree by Research) students - must apply for ethical clearance. You'll also need to apply for clearance if you use animals for teaching purposes.

Human ethics

The University has stringent guidelines for protecting the welfare and rights of human subjects who participate in research projects, including interviews, questionnaires and surveys.

If your research project involves data collection of this nature - even if responses are anonymous - you'll need ethical clearance.

Human ethics clearance procedures

See the forms and guidelines for Human Ethics.

Contact us

Contacts for more information:

• Dr Sebastien Darchen (Geography and Planning)
• Dr Karen McNamara (Environment)
• University of Queensland Human Research Ethics officers

Animal ethics

You must get Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) approval for any scientific use of animals - including laboratory research or teaching.

If you plan to use live non-human vertebrates, cephalopods or crustaceans you'll need approval before you start work.

Apply for animal ethics clearance

For more information, and to apply, visit the Animal Ethics pages of the UQ Research integrity and compliance website.