Researchers
Submitting your research for ethics review is easier with the right team behind you. As Australia’s largest reviewer of clinical trials, we provide independent, high-quality, efficient assessment and full support at every step — while safeguarding participant welfare and research integrity.
Work with ethics committees built around your research needs
Each Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) is tailored to match the type of research under review. We ensure rigorous and multidisciplinary ethical review by bringing together:
- Leading scientific, medical and legal specialists
- Members with community and pastoral care experience
Backed by a fully electronic submission platform and independent site monitoring, you’ll enjoy a seamless and professional review process from start to finish.
NHMRC-certified ethics committees, reviewing clinical, behavioural and social research
Committee meetings each week on average, so your application never waits long for review
Your applications accepted any time online, no need for paper-based submissions
Typical time from submission to ethics committee review and decision
Access deep expertise across every study type
Bellberry partners with researchers and institutions conducting a wide range of human research across Australia. Whatever your submission type, our expert committees are equipped to review it.
Clinical Drug Studies
Independent review to accelerate new drug or medicine development while ensuring participant safety.
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Social and Behavioural Sciences and Evaluations
Ethics oversight for research examining behaviour and social integration, plus evaluation of programs and interventions.
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Medical Device Studies
Assessing the safety, performance and effectiveness of new or modified medical devices.
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Animal Health
Independent review by a specialist Animal Ethics Committee for research projects involving animals.
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Consumer and Community Advice
Specialist panel review of studies at the design stage to ensure lived-experience perspectives are considered.
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AI and Digital Health
Review of artificial intelligence technologies and algorithms that support research or scientific decision-making.
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If your study type isn’t listed, contact us — we’re happy to discuss your needs.
Trusted by researchers across Australia
Hear from the researchers and institutions who rely on Bellberry for fast, independent, high-quality ethics review.
Take the next steps with confidence
Our structured application process helps you move from concept to approval efficiently. Each step is supported by clear guidance and access to our team.
Follow our online application guidance tool to get relevant guidance notes and resources to help you complete the eProtocol application form.
All research for review is submitted through Bellberry’s eProtocol online system. If you are a new user, before you can start your application, you must complete a registration request to become an eProtocol user. Once processed, you’ll have full access to the platform.
Gather all relevant study documentation before starting your application, including your Protocol, Investigator’s Brochure, Participant Information and Consent Form, advertising materials and HREC indemnities. Having everything ready before you begin will make the process much smoother.
Log in to eProtocol, complete the application form and upload all your study documentation. Once submitted, your application will be queued for the next available HREC meeting.
Bellberry’s expert Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) meet weekly on Wednesdays — with committee members selected to match the type of research under review — meaning your application won’t wait long to be assessed.
You’ll receive the Human Research Ethics Committee’s determination — including any comments or questions — via eProtocol on the Friday following the meeting. Typical turnaround from application submission to decision is around 20 working days.
If the committee has questions or requests changes to your study, you’ll respond directly through eProtocol. Once all queries are resolved to the committee’s satisfaction, your study can proceed to approval.
Guidance and resources
Access templates, policies, and checklists to guide you before, during and after review.
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Our HRECs
Learn about our network of expert Human Research Ethics Committees across Australia.
Learn MorePublic Health Submissions
Supporting public health research through independent ethical review.
Learn MoreExpertise, efficiency and independent oversight
Choosing Bellberry means partnering with Australia’s leading independent human research ethics organisation. We combine rigorous ethical oversight with nationally recognised speed, ensuring your study meets the highest standards of participant protection and governance while moving swiftly from submission to approval.
Learn more about Bellberry-
Gold-seal accreditation
AAHRPP gold-seal accreditation, reflecting alignment with the National Statement and highest international standards in research ethics.
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Extensive experience
Over 11,000 studies reviewed since 2004, including around 40% of all CTN-registered clinical trials in Australia.
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Dedicated support
Pre-submission triage, dedicated secretariat support and phone-based investigator assistance throughout the process.
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Specialist committees
12 HRECs supported by almost 200 expert members, providing tailored review across clinical, device and social science studies.
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Robust digital process
Fully electronic submission and virtual collaboration for seamless interaction and swift resolution of queries.
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Nation-leading timeliness
Typical turnaround of about 21 working days from submission to decision, a national benchmark for speed and rigour.
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Ongoing oversight
Optional independent site monitoring and policy forums maintain consistency and continuous improvement.
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Driven by purpose, not profit
As a Not-For-Profit, we exist to improve participant welfare and strengthen research integrity across Australia.
Conducting research that needs extra support or specialised review?
In addition to our Human Research Ethics Committee review services, Bellberry offers three specialist services to meet specific research needs.
Animal Ethics Committee (AEC)
Reviews scientific projects involving animals to help you conduct your research ethically and in line with Australian requirements.
Consumer and Community Advisory Panel (CCAP)
Provides lived-experience perspectives from patients, family, friends and carers to strengthen the design of your research study before it goes to full ethics review.
Ethics Education Support
An in-house Bellberry service providing education and advisory services to organisations Australia-wide, helping strengthen ethics knowledge and governance within your team
Answers to common queries
Whether you’re preparing your first submission or managing amendments, these answers cover the questions we hear most often.
Bellberry reviews a broad range of human research, including clinical drug and device trials, social and behavioural studies, health services research, public health studies, and AI and digital health research.
We also offer specialist review through our Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) and Consumer and Community Advisory Panel (CCAP). If you’re unsure whether your study type is covered, contact us.
Research proposals involving human participants require Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) review to ensure they meet ethical standards and guidelines, as set out in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
But not all projects require full HREC review — some low-risk or quality assurance activities may follow other pathways or be exempt. See our Review Pathways guide for details.
In most cases, you can submit your research to any NHMRC-certified Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). However, some institutions have agreements with specific HRECs, so it’s worth checking with your institution first. If you have flexibility, Bellberry’s weekly meetings and average 21-working-day turnaround make us one of the most efficient options in Australia.
Our fees vary depending on the type and complexity of your study. See Our HREC Fees for a full breakdown, or contact us to discuss your specific situation.
All applications are submitted through our eProtocol online system. You’ll need to register as an eProtocol user before you can begin. Once registered, complete the application form and upload all relevant study documentation. See How to Apply for full guidance and video tutorials.
Our typical turnaround is around 21 working days from submission to decision. Meetings are usually held weekly on Wednesdays, with the committee’s decision and any comments communicated via eProtocol within two business days following the meeting.
For more information, refer to Submission requirements and responsibilities.
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
Browse our full FAQs page or contact us for more guidance and information.
Ready to start or need advice?
If you’d like to speak with a Bellberry team member about your study or need help preparing an application, our customer service specialists are here to assist.
