I received formal ethics clearance in 2020 for the isolation of primary cells from my fibroid tissue.  One of the next key elements to move the project forward is to receive ethical clearance (via amendment to the original application) for key laboratory processes including cell immortalisation and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).

When I was a PhD student, I initially viewed the process as an awkward and time-consuming hurdle. I thought it was mainly to protect the institution from liability. However, as I have learned more about the ethics review process – I am now even a new member of the UTAS Human Research Ethics Committee HREC –  I recognise the importance of ethics clearance for ensuring the safety of researcher and participants. As part of the ethics clearance process, I am required to put together a project overview. This covers research team details, research questions and aims, supporting literature, project design (methodology and methods), data collection and management and future directions. While it does take time to compile the information, it is a useful tool to think through project parameters clearly and articulate the value of the project beyond my own interests. It also ensures that there are clear guidelines for protecting and working with participant data. While, my project is only concerned with my own biomaterials and data, it is still important to set up a storage and backup system with password protected files for team and private (e.g. personal medical details) information.

I have completed my amendment and am waiting for Brad and Jo-Maree’s input before formally submitting the document for review by the HREC. I may have been a bit ambitious in my scope of what may be possible to do as part of an eight-month residency. For example, I am keen to try and establish gastruloids or organoids, but this may be too ambitious as it would rely on successful iPSC. This is where team input is vital to ensure feasibility.