Research Ethics Committee

Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus (OPAIC) recognises that freedom to engage in research is a necessary precursor to good educational practice. Educational freedom, however, involves certain responsibilities under the Education Act 1989, one of which is an assurance that educational institutions conduct research to the highest ethical standards. Educational institutions' activities can expect to be subjected to public scrutiny and must demonstrate the highest ethical standards and robust processes.

OPAIC Academic Committee is responsible for maintaining these standards and processes through its Research Ethics Committee. Before a study involving human participants can begin, the staff or student researcher(s) must gain formal written approval from OPAIC’s Research Ethics Committee.

Purpose of the Committee is to:

• Provide assurance of safety to participants that their rights have been considered and respected, including establishing informed consent, confidentiality, and the secure use and storage of data.

• Advise researchers regarding their rights and duties.

• Ensure methodologies are appropriate. 

• When joint research is being undertaken between two or more institutions, ensure ethics approval is obtained from the lead institution/s (to cover all) before commencing the project.

Ethics Committee members:

• Dr Indrapriya Kularatne (Ethics Lead and Chair of the Ethics Committee)

• Dani Mao

• Dr Edwin Rajah

• Yury Zhukov

• Dr Farhad Mehdipour

• Dr Karaitiana Taiuru

• Dr Omer Altaf

• Kim Fulton

• Dr Olufemi Omisakin

• Dr Lorraine Skelton

• Melissa Walsh

Any proposed research must have sufficient merit to justify the involvement of human participants. OPAIC Research Ethics Committee must be satisfied that the proposed methodology is a suitable fit for the project.

Human participation in any research project must be:

• Voluntary - this means that there must be no duress, undue influence, or disproportionate inducements. Those who choose not to participate must not be subject to unfair discrimination.

• Based on full understanding of what participation will involve.

• Developing an ethics application is an integral part of the design of any research project. Researchers are encouraged to contact their research coordinator, supervisor, lecturer and/or mentor to assist with writing their application.