Data collection and ethics standards

A starting point to help you plan

In Australia, the principles for responsible conduct of research with or about humans are established by the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018).  This framework supports high-quality research, strengthens reliability, and promotes trust within the community. Adherence to the Code is a prerequisite for funding from research grant bodies, including VLF.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to ethical research. Decisions about how to design, deliver, and present research findings all have ethical elements that should be informed by the specific communities impacted and involved in the research and the wider context in which it is being undertaken.

Research ethics are part of ongoing practice, not just a process or form to be completed. However, it can be hard to know where to begin if you are undertaking research for the first time. The following information is designed to assist grant applicants and recipients to identify the ethical components involved in your research activities. Not all information may be relevant to your project, and we are not able to cover all ethical questions that you may encounter.

The resources and information here are a starting point to help you plan your activities and should be tailored to the nature and purpose of your research and the needs of all participants.

Need help?

Please contact us if you have any questions. Some of the things we might be able to help with include review of documents such as a risk analysis, consent and participant information forms or data security and storage protocols.

If you need further information or support, please contact the Grants team.

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