Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
In line with the HKU Policy on Research Integrity, Principal Investigators (PIs) who are academic/research staff members or research students (MPhil/PhD) in Faculties other than Medicine and Dentistry should apply to the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for ethical clearance for research involving human participants.
There is no deadline for applications for ethical clearance. The processing time from submission of application to notification of approval will normally take not more than 3 weeks, provided that the submitted application form is properly completed with all required documents attached. In addition, PIs of RGC GRF and ECS proposals are cautioned particularly to submit their applications for ethical approval no later than end of February, as in accordance with the RGC's ruling, where such ethical approval is required but has not yet been obtained by the RGC deadline (normally set on April 15), the application will be regarded as being withdrawn.
It is the responsibility of the PI to make sure that such ethical approval has been obtained prior to any data collection/analysis taking place. Supervisors of MPhil/PhD students are also responsible for ensuring that their students have obtained such ethical approval before starting data collection. Failure to obtain necessary ethical approval will cause rejection of research grant applications, and may require recollection of data and possible disciplinary action.
Starting from July 2, 2020, all staff and research postgraduate students in the non-clinical Faculties (i.e. Faculties of Architecture, Arts, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Law, Science and Social Sciences) are required to submit ethics applications via the Human Research Ethics Application System (HREAS).
Applications for amendment of an approved project (e.g. project extension, change of project scope, etc.) will still be processed in hard copy for the time being. Applications should be submitted to the Secretary, Human Research Ethics Committee, c/o Research Services of the Registry, 9/F Knowles Building, the University of Hong Kong.
Please use the following links to find out more:
Procedures and Guidelines
- HREC Operational Guidelines and Procedures
- Flowchart of Procedures for Applications for HREC Ethical Approval
- HREC Terms of Reference
- HREC Membership
- Frequently Asked Questions
Application and Report Forms
- Application Form for Ethical Approval for Taught Postgraduate and Undergraduate Students
- Application for Amendment of an Approved Project
- Report on Final Completion
- Other Documents: Sample Consent and Related Forms
Human Research Ethics Application System (HREAS)
Approved Projects
Other Useful Information
- HKU Policy on Research Integrity
- HKU policies on probity issues relating to staff
- Guidelines on information security
- PowerPoint presentation on Human Research Ethics at the most recent Responsible Conduct of Research Seminar
- Summary of the Belmont Report on the ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human participants of research
- The Code of Professional Ethics and Practices of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR)
Enquiries
- For general enquiries, please call 2241 5267
- To seek advice from the HREC Chair, please click here