Independent ethics review for research that makes a difference.

Bellberry provides trusted Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) review services to support ethical, responsible research. We help ensure that research involving people is conducted with integrity, transparency, and respect.

How to Apply eProtocol Login

12 NHMRC-certified HRECs

11,000 +

Studies reviewed nationwide

AAHRPP

Gold-seal accreditation

~21 days

Typical decision time

Our Purpose

Strengthening research through independence and integrity.

Bellberry Limited is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides ethical and scientific review of human research. Through our network of certified Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs), we work with researchers, sponsors, and institutions to ensure studies are conducted responsibly, transparently, and with the wellbeing of participants at their core. Our purpose is to strengthen the quality and efficiency of research while maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct.

About Us

Our Services

Supporting ethical, efficient, and transparent research.

Bellberry’s work extends beyond ethics review — we help advance the practice and understanding of ethical research in Australia and beyond. Our teams provide governance, monitoring, education, and strategic initiatives that empower researchers and protect participants.

Key areas include:

Ethics Review – Independent, NHMRC-certified review of human research.
Monitoring & Quality – Ongoing oversight and audits to ensure compliance.
Grant Activities – Programs that build national ethics capability and leadership.
Education & Resources – Reports, podcasts, videos, and training for the research community.

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How can we help you?

Bellberry supports every part of the research ecosystem — researchers conducting studies, participants contributing to science, and committee members safeguarding ethical practice.

Researchers

Get guidance on applications, submissions, and review processes.

Participants

Understand what research participation involves and your rights every step of the way.

Committee Members

Access resources, orientation materials, and committee information.

“Everything we do is guided by our core purposes: protecting the welfare of research participants and improving the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of research.”

Kylie Sproston

Bellberry Chief Executive Ocer

“It’s about honouring the dignity of human beings. We feel like we’re the ‘around the table’ voice for [medical research] participants.”

Sharonne Price

Bellberry’s longest-serving Human Research Ethics Committee member

“It’s amazing that the work we’re doing is playing a major role in patient care. For some conditions, people would have received a fatal diagnosis maybe five years ago. Now we’ve got improved quality of life and even improved outcomes.”

Professor Andrew McLachlan AM

Bellberry HREC Chair & Head of School and Dean of the Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney

“Bellberry’s review timelines are consistently reliable, which has allowed us to commence our Phase 1 studies without unnecessary delays. Their communication with our team has been clear and constructive throughout.”

Dr. Amanda Leigh

Clinical Research Director, Southern Biopharma

“The support provided before submission was particularly valuable. Having Bellberry’s secretariat review our documents ensured our application met the required standards and the committee review process was straightforward.”

Prof. James Whitfield

Principal Investigator, Horizon University Medical School

“For our hospital group, managing studies across multiple sites can be complex. Bellberry’s multi-centre review process reduced duplication and provided a single, consistent approval we could work with.”

Sarah Coleman

Research Governance Officer, MetroCare Hospitals Group