Human Research Ethics Committee Member (HREC)

Who we are:  

At Torrens University Australia, making a difference is in our DNA. As a Certified B Corporation, we belong to a global community of future-focused companies using business as a force for good. We believe in the transformative power of education to change lives, families, communities – and the world. That’s why we’re on a mission to increase access to higher education, so learners from all walks of life can chase their dreams.  

An exciting volunteer opportunity is now available to join Torrens University Australia’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The position will involve:   

a) reviewing human research proposals  

b) attending monthly Human Research Ethics Committee meetings  

c) discussing and providing feedback on human ethics applications

based on guidelines within the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 

About the position  

Torrens University Australia (TUA) is committed to the ethical and responsible conduct of human research in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025). The role of the HREC is to review research proposals involving human participants and to determine whether they meet the requirements of the National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Human Research.  

Positions on the Human Research Ethics Committee are currently available to volunteers within the following categories:  

Category D: a person who performs a pastoral care role in a community including, but not limited to, an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elder or community leader, a chaplain or a minister of religion or other religious leader.  

As a member of the HREC, you will review and discuss research proposals with other HREC members to decide whether each research proposal complies with the requirements of the National Statement, and to offer feedback where appropriate.  

HREC meeting information - Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) meetings will be held online approximately once per month. Meetings will be led by a Chair, and each application will be discussed in terms of its ethical merit and compliance with The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The HREC will make a decision on each application and provide feedback to applicants including requests for additional information, clarifications or amendments.  

HREC meetings are held monthly on a Wednesday, commencing in February 2026. Meetings generally last no more than 2 hours and are conducted via Microsoft Teams.  Agendas for each meeting will be distributed approximately 1 week prior to the meeting. Members will require a reading time of approximately 1-2 hours to review research applications prior to each meeting.  

Periodically, members may be required to review information out-of-session. 

Location: HREC meetings and training are conducted online. 
Start Date: February 2026 

This is a volunteer position. HREC members will be remunerated $100 for each meeting attended.  

Selection Criteria  

1. An interest in human research and research ethics.