National collaboration will address urgent challenges faced by ethics committees and research governance bodies
The University of Wollongong (UOW) will lead a national $2.25 million initiative to address the rapidly evolving ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI)-related health research, following a National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) Partnership Projects scheme grant.
Led by Professor Stacy Carter, Director of UOW's Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, the project will develop innovative solutions that support research ethics committees, governance units, and data access committees in the ethical oversight of AI-related health research.
"The pace and volume of AI research is extraordinary, and it's creating new ethical questions and challenges," Professor Carter said.
"Our project responds directly to a call from the NHMRC and the research community for practical, evidence-based resources that can help committees and governance units make informed, responsible decisions about health research that develops or applies artificial intelligence technologies."
The project was awarded $1.05 million in NHMRC funding, matched by $1.2 million in partner contributions, bringing the total investment to $2.25 million.
"By working closely with our partners and the public, we aim to co-design and test resources that complement existing frameworks, not replace them," Professor Carter said.
"Ultimately, our goal is to support human research ethics committees and research governance professionals to assess and oversee AI-related research in health, and ensure public trust and confidence in these oversight processes."
The project will culminate in the integration, dissemination, and evaluation of these resources through partner organisations, setting a new benchmark, both in Australia and internationally, for the ethical governance of AI-related research.
The interdisciplinary research team brings together experts in AI ethics, safety, governance, and research: Professor Carter and Senior Professor Annette Braunack-Mayer from UOW, Dr Lisa Eckstein from the University of Tasmania, Professor Farah Magrabi from Macquarie University, and Dr Yagiz Alp Aksoy from the University of Sydney and NSW Health.
The Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values' Dr Yves Saint James Aquino was closely involved in the application and will be instrumental to the success of the project. These experts will work with industry partners Alfred Health, Australasian Institute of Digital Health Limited, Bellberry Limited, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Medical Technology Association of Australia Limited, NSW Ministry of Health, Research Australia Limited, and the Population Health Research Network.
