Sensitive research

Research at the University of Melbourne is conducted with the highest standards of responsibility, openness and care. This commitment extends to research which may be considered sensitive research, which by its nature may require additional safeguards and confidentiality measures.

Whilst we aim for openness in our research practices, some sensitive research areas require restrictions on information sharing to adhere to confidentiality requirements and protect participants, researchers or communities. All projects and partnerships, including those engaged in complex research areas, strictly adhere to government laws, regulations and responsible research practices.

Research may be considered sensitive based on:

Subject matter and cultural sensitivity – Sensitive research in this category addresses topics that are controversial, taboo, emotionally charged or may offend cultural, religious or social norms of certain groups (eg sexual behaviour, illegal activities, trauma, political extremism or sacred cultural practices). Any such research conducted by the University is subject to rigorous ethical scrutiny to ensure it is conducted responsibly, with appropriate safeguards, and in ways that prevent harm or offence.

Potential harm – Research may be classified as sensitive if it has the potential to cause physical, psychological or social harm to participants or researchers during the research process. Risk of harm is contextual and depends on the specific research design and context, rather than being a fixed characteristic of particular individuals or groups.

Legal and regulatory compliance – Research involving legal complexities that may expose participants to risks, research subject to specific regulatory frameworks like export controls or the Australian Sanctions Regime and privacy and confidentiality considerations.

Dual-use and national security significance – This category includes research identified by the Australian Government as being of significance to national security. It is regulated under a range of instruments, including export controls and sanctions legislative regimes. Such research may require additional oversight to ensure responsible conduct and appropriate use of research outcomes. Through the List of Critical Technologies in the National Interest, a range of technology areas have been identified by the Australian Government as being of national or strategic significance, and activities in these fields are closely monitored. Sensitive research can include both critical technology and ‘dual use’ technology listed on the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL), and certain commercially valuable technologies.

Ethical complexity – Research that presents particularly complex ethical questions requiring careful consideration of competing principles or values (eg studies involving novel methodologies, research in contested ethical domains or situations with multiple stakeholder interests).