The Australian Research Integrity Committee (ARIC), established by the Federal Government to provide a review system of institutional processes to respond to allegations of research misconduct, is now open for business.

The Committee, jointly established by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), is chaired by lawyer and Ombudsman, Ron Brent, and includes Dr Kerry Breen, former Chair of the NHMRC Australian Health Ethics Committee; Emeritus Professor Sheila Shaver, former Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at the University of Western Sydney; and Julie Hamblin, partner in the Health Group of HWL Ebsworth Lawyers.

The review system that the Committee will oversee is intended to ensure that institutions investigate allegations of research misconduct and observe proper process, in line with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. The Committee will report its findings and recommendations to the CEO of the ARC and/or the CEO of the NHMRC.

More information about the Australian Research Integrity Committee and the ARIC Request for Review is at http://www.arc.gov.au/general/research_integrity.htm, or contact the Secretariat at (02) 6287 6701.