Research Development Unit (RDU)

The RDU team provides research oversight, advice, training and support to staff and students across all Barwon Health locations. Our role is to ensure the protection of research participants and that all research activities under the auspices of Barwon Health meet the highest standards of research ethics and governance. The RDU supports staff and students to design and implement high quality research that improves the health and wellbeing of the community.

RDU is here to help.

If you are not sure where to start or have a question regarding your research project, email us at rdu@barwonhealth.org.au and a member of the RDU team will get back to you within 24 hours. If you have a current application underway, please ensure you include your Barwon Health reference number in your enquiry.

Meet the RDU team here.

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Good Clinical Practice (GCP) equals Good Research Practice

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has adopted the ICH E6 (R3) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.  From 2026 onwards, all clinical trial staff requiring GCP training should complete training based on the ICH E6 (R3) guidelines.

A-CTEC has updated its current GCP training workshop to align with the new E6 (R3) requirements. Please see the online courses available on the A-CTEC website.

For more information on GCP compliance see the:

• Australian clinical trial handbook
• Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025)

The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research is the primary framework guiding human research in Australia and the work of Human Research Ethics Committees. Issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), it is regularly updated to reflect evolving research practices, ethical standards and community expectations.

The 2025 revision of the National Statement, originally due to commence on 1 October 2025, has been deferred until early 2026. Institutions are encouraged to adopt the revised version earlier, with Barwon Health implementing the changes from 1 January 2026.

Key updates include a revised Section 4, which reframes additional ethical considerations in terms of increased risk of harm, strengthens expectations around inclusion of under-represented groups, clarifies sources of risk, and enables proportionate review pathways for lower-risk research. The revisions also enhance recognition of ethical considerations in research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Researchers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes. A summary is available on the NHMRC website.