Advisors in Research Integrity

In accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, the Sydney Local Health District has appointed six advisors in research integrity.  All are people with extensive research experience, wisdom, analytical skills and empathy, who have an understanding of the SLHD’s policy and management structure and are familiar with accepted practices in research.

The advisors are able to advise a staff member who is unsure about a research conduct issue and who may be considering whether to make an allegation of research misconduct.  They are able to explain the options open to a person considering, making or having made an allegation.  These options include:

• Referring the matter directly to the person against whom the allegation is being made
  
• Not proceeding or withdrawing the allegation if discussion resolves the concerns;
  
• Referring the allegation to a person in a supervisory capacity for resolution at the local or departmental level;
  
• Making an allegation of research misconduct in writing to Director of Clinical Governance.

The advisors’ role does not extend to formal investigation or assessment of an allegation of research misconduct, nor are they permitted to make contact with a person who is the subject of the allegation.

SLHD Advisors in Research Misconduct: 
Professor Warwick Britton
Sydney Local Health District Director of Research
Email: wbritton@med.usyd.edu.au
Ph: 9515 7098
 
Professor Ben Freedman
Deputy Director Research Strategy, Heart Research Institute/Charles Perkins Centre
Professor of Cardiology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney    
Email: ben.freedman@sydney.edu.au
Mob: 0411 591 633 

Professor David Cook
Acting Chairman, SLHD Ethics Review Committee (RPAH Zone)
Email: David.Cook@sydney.edu.au
Mob: 0419 195 535

Professor David LeCouteur
SLHD Human Research Ethics Committee (CRGH)
Email: david.lecouteur@sydney.edu.au

Professor Geoff McCaughan
Director, AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, RPAH
Email: g.mccaughan@centenary.usyd.edu.au
Ph: 9515 8578

Those seeking advice are welcome to contact any of these people and are not restricted to speaking with an advisor from their own institution.