Human Research Ethics Committees

Our role

Bellberry’s HRECs provide ethical and scientific review of human research proposals in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025).

Each committee ensures that:

• Research is ethically and scientifically sound.
• Participant welfare, consent, and privacy are protected.

Bellberry operates 12 NHMRC-certified committees that collectively review around 40% of all CTN-registered clinical trials in Australia. Committees meet weekly to ensure efficient turnaround while maintaining the highest standards of quality and independence.

Committee composition

Each HREC includes a mix of professional and community representatives in line with National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025) requirements, supporting a balanced review that considers ethical, scientific, and social perspectives.

Members are drawn from a large pool, and each committee is tailored meeting by meeting, based on the requirements of the study submitted. This means research proposals of all types – from clinical studies of pharmaceuticals, devices and techniques, through to social science research – are considered by committee members with the appropriate expertise.

View the Bellberry Generic Meeting Composition List for 2026

Meeting process

Bellberry’s HRECs meet weekly to review new submissions and substantial amendments. HREC meetings are supported by a dedicated secretariat, promoting efficiency, consistency, and accurate documentation across all reviews.

The process involves:

1. Pre-submission check — the Bellberry administration team confirms each application is complete and ready for committee assessment

2. Formal HREC review — the committee meets to discuss the submission and make a decision on ethical acceptability.

3. Feedback and resolution — applicants receive feedback via eProtocol, outlining any clarifications or changes needed, with comment and response cycles continuing until the committee can make an outcome decision.

Committee chairs and deputy chairs

Each Bellberry HREC meeting is chaired by an experienced member of the research or medical community. Our Chairs and Deputy Chairs bring exceptional expertise across clinical medicine, academia, and ethics governance.

HREC Chairs

• Professor Michael Ward, Head of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Adelaide University
• A/Professor Mark Slee, Flinders University and Senior Consultant Neurologist in the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN)
• Dr Michael James, Chief Medical Scientist, Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital (retired 2021), Professor, Dept of Medicine, The University of Adelaide (retired 2017)
• Dr Barry Chatterton, Associate Professor within the Discipline of Medicine at University of Adelaide (retired), Senior Director Nuclear Medicine Royal Adelaide Hospital and Physician in Nuclear Medicine in private practice (both retired)
• Dr Jeff Karrasch, Consultant Physician, St. Vincents Hospital Northside and North West Private Hospitals, Brisbane
• Senior Professor Annette Braunack-Mayer, Head, School of Health & Society and Professorial Fellow, Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values (ACHEEV), Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong NSW
• Professor Ben Canny, Director, Medical Education, University of Adelaide & Adjunct Professor, Monash University
• Ms June Challen, Senior Pharmacist – Investigational Drugs, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network
• Reverend Jennifer Hughes, Executive Officer, Mission Resourcing, Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia
• Prof David Currow, Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor and Strategic Professor, Flinders Ageing Alliance at Flinders University, Adjunct Professor of Palliative Medicine at Sydney University of Technology and Honorary Professor at University of NSW
• Professor Andrew McLachlan AM, Head of School and Dean of Pharmacy, Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney

Deputy Chairs

• Professor Paula Swatman, Professor of Information Systems (retired 2016)
• Dr Kirsten Staff, Pharmacy Program Director, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Adelaide University
• A/Professor David Foster, Research Integrity Advisor, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Adelaide University
• Professor Stephanie Reuter Lange – Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Adelaide University

Together, this leadership group provides continuity, consistency, and balanced expertise across all Bellberry committees.

Commitment to independence

Bellberry’s HRECs are structurally and operationally independent from the company’s business operations. The Bellberry Board and CEO oversee governance and strategy, but have no influence over committee decisions. This independence ensures that each review remains impartial, transparent, and guided solely by participant welfare and ethical integrity.