Being a researcher at Alfred Health
When a person conducts research at Alfred Health, various risks arise for the researcher and for Alfred Health. The information sheet describes the arrangements that need to be in place for someone to be a researcher, including in the capacity of a student, to cover the liability of researcher conduct.
Student researchers
Undertaking research as a student requires adherence to a number of site specific requirements.
This covers:
- A student undertaking an undergraduate clinical placement and doing some research
- An Alfred Health employee undertaking a post-graduate course
- A student who is not an Alfred Health employee undertaking a post-graduate course
- A student who is not an Alfred Health employee undertaking a course but not on a formal clinical placement
- A student who is not an Alfred Health employee who is visiting and gaining experience to undertake their research
- A student who is not an Alfred Health employee, not on-site but will conduct research activity such as phone interviews or have access to a coded or non-identifiable dataset from Alfred Health records.
There are 3 key things that need to be in place:
- A Student Placement Agreement between Alfred Health and the student’s education provider. To determine if this is in place, check with the education provider or Alfred Health Legal Office.
- The course that the student is completing needs to be included on the Student Clinical Placement Agreement via completing a Schedule. Check with the education provider and if it is not included, contact the Office of Ethics and Research Governance.
- The student will need to read the Student Induction Protocol and complete the Student Undertaking (Appendix A).
A Student Clinical Placement Agreement helps to ensure that Alfred Health and student researcher are covered for the risks and liability arising from a student conducting research.
A separate Research Agreement might also be required to address issues such as data transfer and ownership, intellectual property, publications and research funding
Monash University Students
Monash University medical students need to contact the Director of Medical Student Programs to obtain a letter of support.
Monash University Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons) or “BMedSci (Hons)” students are issued with a “placement letter” by the course administrator and need to provide this letter.
Monash University students who are undertaking the following courses will need to contact the course administrator to obtain a letter of support:
- BSc(Hons) - course code S3701
- BBiomedSc(Hons) - course code M3702
- PhD - course code 0047/4000
Students must also complete the Student Undertaking.