• Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
• Purpose
• Scope
• Section 2 - Definitions
• Section 3 - Policy Statement
• Section 4 - Research Principles
• Principle 1: Research activities are planned, conducted and managed with academic rigour and accountability, using good business practice
• Principle 2: Research is conducted ethically, with integrity, and respectfully
• Principle 3: Research is conducted and reported responsibly and honestly
• Principle 4: The University supports and fosters alignment of research activities with its strategic interests, directions and capabilities
• Principle 5: The University supports and fosters research activities to produce high quality outcomes with positive impacts for society
• Principle 6: Research standards, quality and integrity are assured and continuously improved by systematic monitoring and review
• Comprehensive Course Review Process
• Section 5 - Associated Documents

Section 1 - Purpose and Scope

Purpose

(1) This Policy sets out how the University conducts its research activities to achieve the highest standards of research quality and integrity.

(2) This Policy supports compliance of research activities with the following legislation, regulations and guidelines:

1. Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018
2. AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research 2020
3. Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW)
4. Animal Research Regulation 2021 (NSW)
5. Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 2013
6. Australian Research Council Research Integrity Policy
7. Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020 (Cth)
8. Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 (Cth)
9. Copyright Act 1968 (Cth)
10. Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth)
11. Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018 (Cth) 
12. Gene Technology Act 2000(Cth)  
13. Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (Cth)
14. Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (Cth)(the Threshold Standards)     
15. National Health and Medical Research Council Research Integrity and Misconduct Policy   
16. National Health and Medical Research Council’s Ethical Conduct in Research
    with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities: Guidelines
    for Researchers and Stakeholders
17. National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025)
18. Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Scope

(3) This Policy applies to anyone who conducts, supervises or supports research as a member of the University community or on behalf of the University, including:

1. All staff, adjunct appointees (including visiting, emeritus and conjoint appointees), students, or visitors to the University;
2. Consultants, contractors; and
3. Staff, students, consultants and contractors of partner organisations.

(4) For the purposes of this Policy:

1. research includes research training; and
2. researcher means anyone involved in conducting, assisting, supervising or supporting research.

Section 2 - Definitions

(5) The Definitions (Academic) Policy applies to this Policy.

Section 3 - Policy Statement

(6) The University uses robust and efficient systems to support research of the highest ethical, scientific and scholarly standards, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the training of future researchers.

(7) Research is conducted with the highest levels of research integrity, including in any arrangements with collaborators or other third parties, enabling staff, students and the broader community to have trust and confidence in the University's research and its results.

(8) The University adopts the principles in, and is committed to upholding and responding appropriately to breaches of, the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018. In the event of any inconsistency with University Rules, Policies and Procedures, the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 and its supporting guidelines will prevail.

(9) The University is committed to upholding the principles of academic freedom, as set out in its Statement on Academic or Intellectual Freedom. Nothing in this Policy should be interpreted as impinging upon or restricting the application of these principles.

(10) The quality, standards and integrity of research conducted by the University is supported through application of the following principles:

1. Principle 1: Research activities are planned, conducted and managed with academic rigour and accountability, using good business practice
2. Principle 2: Research is conducted ethically, with integrity, and respectfully
3. Principle 3: Research is conducted and reported responsibly and honestly
4. Principle 4: The University supports and fosters alignment of research activities with its strategic interests, directions and capabilities
5. Principle 5: The University supports and fosters research activities to produce high quality outcomes with positive impacts for society
6. Principle 6: Research standards, quality and integrity are assured and continuously improved by systematic monitoring and review

Section 4 - Research Principles

Principle 1: Research activities are planned, conducted and managed with academic rigour and accountability, using good business practice

(11) Research is developed, undertaken and reported with intellectual rigour and in accordance with accepted scholarly standards, by attention to detail and robust methodology, and by avoiding, mitigating or transparently acknowledging biases.

(12) Research activities, including research supervision, research training and research-related teaching, are conducted and overseen by staff with appropriate qualifications, expertise and experience.

(13) Higher Degree Research courses are established, administered, and reviewed in a manner appropriate to their research-based nature, and course design encompasses:

1. Learning outcomes and their alignment with the AQF level at which the course is accredited;
2. Benchmarking of the course to similar courses offered within Australia and overseas;
3. Admission and progression requirements;
4. Candidature milestone frameworks;
5. Supervision expertise, capacity and availability;
6. Generic and discipline-appropriate research training requirements; and
7. Examination and assessment standards.

(14) Higher Degree Research course design must address the adequacy of the research environment, including research-active staff, infrastructure, and facilities as required by Thresholds Standards 4.1 and 4.2.

(15) Higher Degree Research courses will be developed and approved in accordance with Table 3 (Professional Doctorate courses), Table 4 (PhD and Masters by Thesis courses), and Table 7 (Higher Degree Research Units) of the Course and Unit Approval Authorities.

(16) Higher Degree Research courses are delivered and administered in accordance with the Higher Degree Research Candidate and Supervisor Policy, and the relevant Rules Relating to Awards to ensure a high quality, engaging and supportive academic experience that enables students to succeed in their studies. In addition, where applicable, Higher Degree Research courses shall be delivered and administered in accordance with relevant clauses of the Student Academic Experience Policy as determined by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

(17) Higher Degree Research students are supervised for the duration of their candidature by a team consisting of a Principal Supervisor and one or more Co-Supervisors. Eligibility to supervise Higher Degree Research students is determined based on the criteria set out in the Higher Degree Research Register of Supervisors Policy.

(18) Research activities and any associated applications, proposals, contracts or agreements will be planned, costed and managed to ensure good stewardship of University and public resources used to conduct research, and in accordance with the University's financial management policies and procedures, and approved in accordance with the Delegations Rule. 

(19) Higher Degree Research courses will be developed and approved in accordance with the Course and Unit Approval Authorities. 

Principle 2: Research is conducted ethically, with integrity, and respectfully

(20) Researchers will act honestly and transparently in proposing, conducting and reporting research by presenting all relevant information truthfully and accurately and communicating research methodology, data and findings openly, responsibly and accurately.

(21) Researchers will honestly and transparently disclose and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest (as defined in the University's Code of Conduct) in accordance with the Conflicts of Interest relating to Research – Procedures.

(22) Researchers will treat other research participants and the broader community fairly by:

1. accurately and appropriately referencing and citing the work of others;
2. appropriately acknowledging everyone who contributes to a research activity;
3. recognising and respecting intellectual property in accordance with the Intellectual Property Rights Policy; 
4. ensuring that authors of research outputs are all those, and only those, who have made a significant intellectual or scholarly contribution to research and its output, and that they agree to be listed as an author, in accordance with the Research Publications, Dissemination and Authorship Procedures; and
5. participating in peer review of other researchers' work in a way that is fair, rigorous and timely and maintains the confidentiality of the content.

(23) Research is conducted with respect for research participants and the wider community by:

1. treating human participants and communities that are affected by research with care and respect, and appropriately considering the needs of minority groups or vulnerable people;
2. adopting a participant-centred approach in research involving humans that includes meaningful engagement with, respect for and protection of participants’ rights;
3. applying the ethics principles of research merit and integrity, justice, beneficence and respect to human research, as set out in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025);
4. recognising, valuing and respecting the diversity, heritage, knowledge, cultural property and connection to land of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
5. engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to research that affects or is of particular significance to them prior to research being undertaken, so that they freely make decisions about their involvement; and
6. reporting to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the outcomes of any research that affects or is of particular significance to them.

(24) Research activities conducted with or about people, or their data or tissue, as defined in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025), must be:

1. designed, reviewed and conducted in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025);
2. assessed and approved by the University's Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (or its delegate) with respect to the principles set out in clause (22) and in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025); and
3. conducted ethically and in compliance with any conditions of approval required by the HREC (or its delegate).

(25) Research activities conducted with or about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (including but not limited to human research as set out in clause (23), archival research and re-use of data, formal evaluation, and research activities relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections), must be designed, reviewed, conducted and reported in accordance with the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research 2020.

(26) Research is conducted with respect for animals by:

1. only involving animals in research when such research has scientific or educational merit and aims to benefit humans, animals or the environment;
2. replacing the use of animals in research with other methods wherever possible;
3. minimising the number of animals used in research;
4. supporting the wellbeing of any animals used in research;
5. avoiding or minimising adverse impacts, including pain and distress, on any animals used in research at all stages of research.

(27) Research activities involving animals must be:

1. designed, reviewed and conducted in accordance with the Animal Research Act 1985 (NSW), Animal Research Regulation 2021 (NSW) and Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 2013; 
2. assessed and approved by the University's Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC) (or its delegate) with respect to the principles set out in clause (24) and in accordance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 2013; and
3. conducted ethically and in compliance with any conditions of approval required by the ACEC (or its delegate).

(28) Research is conducted with respect for the environment by:

1. identifying, assessing and minimising the risk of adverse effects of research on the environment as part of the risk assessment process set out in clause (29);
2. complying with any relevant legislation related to environmental protection, including the Gene Technology Act 2000 (Cth) and Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (Cth). 

Principle 3: Research is conducted and reported responsibly and honestly

(29) Research activities will comply with all relevant legislation, University policy, and contractual obligations, including (but not limited to):

1. legislation, regulations and guidelines listed in clause (2);
2. the International Security Sanctions and Compliance Policy; 
3. funding agreements; and
4. collaboration agreements.

(30) Risks associated with all research activities (including but not limited to safety, financial, legal, insurance and reputational risks) will be identified, assessed and managed in accordance with the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. 

(31) The risk assessment conducted under clause (29) will specifically include an assessment of the risk of foreign interference, including (but not limited to) risks to compliance with the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020 (Cth), Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 (Cth), Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth), and Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018 (Cth). 

(32) Research will be conducted safely and in accordance with the University's policies and procedures relating to Workplace Health and Safety.

(33) Research materials and records must be stored securely and managed responsibly in accordance with the Research Data Management Policy, the Information Technology Conditions of Use Policy, the Records Management Policy, the Copyright Policy and any additional requirements specified in a research contract or agreement.

(34) The University ensures responsible conduct of research, as set out in the Research Integrity Procedures – Staff and Research Intergrity Procedures – Higher Degree Researchers (Students), by:

1. maintaining clear and effective processes to receive concerns or complaints relating to responsible conduct of research, including potential breaches of this Policy or the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018; 
2. maintaining rigorous, fair, effective and efficient processes for investigating and resolving suspected breaches of research integrity that support the welfare of all parties involved, base findings of investigations on the balance of probabilities, and result in remedial or disciplinary actions that are commensurate with the severity of the breach; and
3. regularly monitoring and reporting on the responsible conduct of research, as set out in clause (46).

(35) The University additionally promotes and fosters a research culture and environment that supports the responsible conduct of research by:

1. clearly identifying relevant roles and responsibilities for supporting responsible conduct of research, including maintaining a network of appropriately trained Research Integrity Advisors to facilitate provision of guidance and mentoring on responsible research conduct, as set out in the Research Integrity Procedures – Staff and Research Integrity Procedures – Higher Degree Research (Students); and
2. providing regular training, education and mentoring for all researchers and those in other relevant roles, as set out in the Research Integrity Training Guidelines – Staff.

(36) Researchers must support a culture of responsible conduct of research by:

1. undertaking and promoting education and training in responsible research conduct, including guiding, mentoring and monitoring (if appropriate) other researchers or research trainees under their supervision on responsible research conduct, as set out in the Research Integrity Training Guidelines – Staff; and
2. reporting suspected breaches of breaches of this Policy or the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 as soon as practicable in accordance with the processes set out in the Research Integrity Procedures – Staff and Research Integrity Procedures – Higher Degree Research (Students).

Principle 4: The University supports and fosters alignment of research activities with its strategic interests, directions and capabilities

(37) The University respects and upholds the freedom of all academic staff and students to conduct research and to engage in intellectual inquiry, to express their opinions and beliefs, and to contribute to public debate in relation to their research, but it is not obliged to provide support for research activities that do not align with its strategic interests and directions.

(38) The University supports and fosters alignment of research activities with its teaching and engagement activities.

(39) Research activities may only be conducted when appropriate infrastructure, facilities, expertise and other necessary support are available to ensure that the requirements of this Policy, and any associated legislation, can be demonstrably met. 

Principle 5: The University supports and fosters research activities to produce high quality outcomes with positive impacts for society

(40) The University supports and fosters the development of high-quality research training opportunities to contribute to the development of future researchers, including by:

1. developing and offering high-quality Higher Degree Research courses;
2. incorporating research opportunities into coursework courses;
3. offering research placements, internships and exchanges for researchers from other institutions and industry; and
4. monitoring and regularly reporting on the effectiveness of research training.

(41) The University supports and fosters Higher Degree Research students to succeed by:

1. only admitting students who meet the admission requirements outlined in Rule 7 – Masters by Thesis Awards, Rule 8 – Professional Doctorate Awards, or Rule 9 – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Award. Admission decisions for Higher Degree Research courses must also consider the feasibility of the proposed research, the availability and expertise of supervisors, and the adequacy of the research environment and resources for the proposed project;
2. providing students with an induction to research that outlines their obligations under this Policy, prior to commencing research activities, as set out in the Higher Degree Research Candidate and Supervisor Policy;
3. clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of students and their supervisors, as set out in the Higher Degree Research Candidate and Supervisor Policy;
4. providing students with training and guidance on the nature of research misconduct and the development of good practices in maintaining research integrity, as set out in clause (34);
5. ensuring students have opportunities throughout their candidature to provide feedback on their educational experiences including the quality of their supervision and research training environment and resources, as set out in the Higher Degree Research Candidate and Supervisor Policy; and
6. regularly monitoring student’s progress and offering them appropriate additional support if needed, as set out in clause (14) of the Student Academic Experience Policy and the relevant Rules Relating to Awards.

(42) The University assures the quality of assessment in Higher Degree Research by specifying in the relevant Rules Relating to Awards that major assessable research outputs, such as theses, dissertations, exegeses, creative works or other major works arising from the student's research:

1. are assessed by at least two examiners:
   1. who have international standing in the field of research;
   2. who are independent of the conduct of the research;
   3. who are competent to undertake the assessment;
   4. who do not have a conflict of interest; and
   5. of whom at least one is external to the University in the case of a master degree, or of whom both are external to the University in the case of a doctoral degree;
2. contribute to the advancement of the field of research, practice or creative field and, in the case of doctoral degrees, demonstrate a significant original contribution.

(43) The University supports and fosters the development of high-quality research partnerships and collaborations that align with the strategic interests and directions of the University to increase the quality, reach and impact of its research and research training by:

1. facilitating development of researchers through training opportunities and sharing of knowledge and ideas;
2. enabling access to expertise, techniques and facilities that would not otherwise be available at the University;
3. supporting opportunities for industry internships for students;
4. increasing the reach and impact of research activities and outcomes in industry, the community, and other end-users.

(44) Research partnerships and collaborations will maintain the highest levels of research integrity, enabling people to have trust and confidence in the research and its results, by:

1. ensuring all partnerships and collaborations comply with the provisions of relevant legislation including (but not limited to) the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020 Cth, Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 (Cth), Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth) and Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018 (Cth), in accordance with the International Security Sanctions and Compliance Policy; 
2. ensuring all partnerships and collaborations comply with all other provisions of this policy;
3. adhering to the Research Collaboration Procedures;
4. entering into formal agreements to confirm such arrangements wherever possible; and
5. monitoring and regularly reporting on the performance of such arrangements.

(45) Research materials, data and outputs will be open to review and shared as widely and accessibly as possible, to the extent allowable by ethical, privacy, legal, Intellectual Property (IP) or confidentiality limitations, in accordance with the Research Data Management Procedures.

(46) Research outcomes and outputs must be shared responsibly and accurately, considering the consequences and outcomes of research prior to its communication in accordance with the Research Publications, Dissemination and Authorship Procedures and the Media Policy and any errors must be corrected as soon as practicable.

(47) Research will be incorporated, when appropriate, into relevant publications, policies and practice and provide impact beyond the University that meets the needs of the University’s community and stakeholders.

Principle 6: Research standards, quality and integrity are assured and continuously improved by systematic monitoring and review

(48) All research outcomes and outputs are systematically recorded in the University's Integrated Research Management Application (IRMA) system. 

(49) Research standards and integrity are assured through maintaining rigorous and transparent processes for:

1. reporting and investigating potential breaches of research integrity; 
2. reporting on the performance of research collaboration arrangements; and
3. reporting and analysis of research integrity breaches to enable regular review of success in managing risks to research integrity, continuous improvement of processes to further strengthen defences, and rapid response to significant trends and incidents, as set out in the Research Integrity Procedures – Staff and Research Integrity Procedures – Higher Degree Research (Students).

(50) The quality of research training is assured by monitoring and review processes, as set out in the Higher Degree Research Candidate and Supervisor Policy; that are:

1. referenced against national standards;
2. informed by student feedback and performance data including student progression, attrition and completion rates;
3. applied across all student cohorts and delivery locations and against external reference points; and
4. acted upon to improve future research training outcomes.

(51) The outcomes from research training monitoring and review processes, including recommendations for corrective action, will be regularly and systematically reported to Academic Board and its relevant sub-committees.

(52) Monitoring and review of research quality occurs through the Research Committee reporting processes as outlined in the Terms of Reference – Research Committee. 

Comprehensive Course Review Process

(53) Comprehensive Course Reviews will be conducted to meet the requirements of the Threshold Standards. The review must
address Threshold Standard 4 (Research and Research Training) as a core element of the evaluation, in addition to Threshold
Standards 1, 2, 3, and 5. Comprehensive Course Reviews of Higher Degree Research courses must also:

1. evaluate the suitability of course design in the context appropriate to Higher Degree Research and in compliance
   with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Threshold Standards;
2. review and evaluate responses to benchmarking and external referencing activities appropriate to Higher Degree
   Research, including examination standards and outcomes;
3. evaluate how feedback is used to inform monitoring, review and improvement activities;
4. evaluate the effectiveness of the course in delivering intended student learning outcomes;
5. evaluate the quality of academic experience for students;
6. evaluate the adequacy of the research environment, including research-active staff, infrastructure, and facilities, the quality and effectiveness of research supervision arrangements, and the provision of individualised support for research candidates, as required by Threshold Standard 4;
7. evaluate suitability and effectiveness of staffing including supervisors and support teams;
8. evaluate the financial viability and strategic fit of the course in the University's overall academic profile;
9. examine any other matters requested by the Chair, Academic Board; and
10. make recommendations to Academic Board concerning any of the matters above in this clause, including a recommendation as to whether the course should be reaccredited with or without conditions.

(54) A reduced Comprehensive Course Review scope may be applied when a course is in teach-out and has an expected removal
date exceeding 12 months, informed by relevant TEQSA guidelines, if approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality).
Teach-out for the purposes of Higher Degree Research degrees refers to completion assurance (continuity of supervision,
access to research infrastructure, ability to complete registered qualification, protection of enrolled students) rather than teaching continuation.

(55) The Comprehensive Course Review Report will be provided to the Dean, Graduate School for a management response. The
Comprehensive Course Review Report, together with the management response, will then be forwarded to the Higher
Degrees Research Committee for review. The Higher Degree Research Committee will recommend one of three actions to
Academic Board: reaccredit the course, reaccredit with conditions, or start course removal.

(56) Each Comprehensive Course Review will have a specified panel appointed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality).

(57) Comprehensive Course Reviews will be conducted within seven years of the initial accreditation or last reaccreditation of the course by the Academic Board.

(58) A rolling five-year Comprehensive Course Review cycle schedule will be determined annually by the Pro Vice-Chancellor
(Academic Quality).

(59) An ad hoc Comprehensive Course Review may be initiated at any time by:

1. the Academic Board;
2. the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality); or
3. the Chair, Academic Board.

(60) An ad hoc Comprehensive Course Review can be initiated in the following circumstances:

1. significant concerns about the performance of a course, including those arising from course performance data; or
2. a recommendation from another course review or other quality assurance process; or
3. change in the University’s strategic direction; or
4. significant changes in government regulations.

(61) Following a Comprehensive Course Review, Academic Board will either:

1. approve that the course be reaccredited for a subsequent period of up to seven years;
2. require specific actions to be taken prior to or as a condition of approving that the course be reaccredited; or
3. determine that the course should not remain accredited and be removed from the offerings of the University in line
   with the Course and Unit Approval Authorities.

(62) The Academic Board may determine to reaccredit a course for a period of not more than 12 months without a Comprehensive
Course Review if the course is in teach-out. In this case, the Faculty or College must demonstrate to the Higher Degree Research Committee and Academic Board ongoing quality of the academic experience for teach-out courses including maintaining sufficient supervision levels, complying with monitoring processes, and maintaining equivalent student experience and learning support.

(63) A course will remain accredited until it is formally disaccredited or removed by the Academic Board.

(64) Courses will be submitted for re-accreditation within seven years of their previous accreditation.

Section 5 - Associated Documents

(65) Rules:

1. Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 7 - Masters by Thesis Awards
2. Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 8 - Professional Doctorate Awards
3. Rules Relating to Awards - Rule 9 - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) award

(66)  Policies:

1. Student Academic Experience Policy
2. Intellectual Property Rights Policy 
3. Enterprise Risk Management Policy 
4. International Security Sanctions and Compliance Policy

(67) Procedures:

1. Research Integrity Procedures – Staff 
2. Research Integrity Procedures – Higher Degree Research (Students) 
3. Research Publications, Dissemination and Authorship Procedures 
4. Research – Peer Review Procedures 
5. Research Collaboration Procedures 
6. Conflicts of Interest Relating to Research – Procedures 
7. Research Data Management Procedures 

(68) Guidelines:

1. Research Integrity Training Guidelines - Staff 
2.  Research Integrity Training Guidelines for HDR Candidates and Supervisors