Over the last month, the Clinical Trials, Research and Strategic Initiatives unit has embarked on a special research ethics reform project that has never been undertaken in Victoria.
Clinical trials and human research operate under some of the strictest protocols in the world, with human research ethics central to protecting participants. It ensures trials are conducted safely, fairly, and respectfully.
Over the past month, the team has been listening to people working in, or with an interest in, human research ethics to better understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made.
More than 265 responses to the sector survey were received, a further 150 participants attended online sessions, and three face-to-face sessions were held at regional Victorian hospitals.
The team heard valuable insights from ethics committee members and chairs, clinician researchers, clinical trial unit managers, patient advocates, consumers, research ethics officers, research governance officers, research directors, sponsors (organisations that initiate clinical trials, such as pharmaceutical companies and universities), as well as clinical research participants.
What we have heard so far
Experiences of the Victorian human research ethics system vary depending on role. Respondents flagged process burden, delays, and inconsistency, and highlighted complexity and increasing demand within limited resources.
Several themes were consistent across all respondents:
- Variation across organisations and committees was the most widely cited challenge, especially for multi-site research.
- Administrative burden and duplication were common concerns, focused on process design rather than the value of ethical oversight itself.
- The ethics–governance interface was a frequent source of delay, duplication, and unclear accountability.
- Operational workload for ethics advisors and coordinators is high, with these roles bridging complex systems and supporting researchers.
- Ethics committee work is critical but often underestimated, despite its responsibility for participant safety and public trust.
- Workforce pressures affect the sector broadly, with added challenges for clinician researchers, early-career investigators, and regional services.
It is not too late to have your say
Missed a session, or want to provide confidential feedback?
We are still accepting written submissions until 5 pm, Friday 22 May 2026.
Submissions can be as brief or detailed as you choose. You may respond to the suggested questions for your role, address the general questions, or write freely about your experience and ideas.
Send submissions to research@safercare.vic.gov.au.
If you would prefer to speak rather than write, please contact us on the above email address to arrange a short interview.
What happens next?
A full summary of insights from all engagement activities will be shared with the sector.
Learn more about the Strategic Ethics Reform Project listening program.