Engaging with the Courts on Research
The Courts are cognisant that there are many areas of their work and operations that are of interest to researchers, and that, where appropriate, it is in the public interest for informed and constructive research about Courts to be undertaken.
The Courts have a Joint Research and Ethics Committee (Committee) which is responsible for considering applications for the Courts’ involvement in research.
We encourage researchers to engage with the Committee early to ensure that the Committee can provide guidance on the most up to date and relevant information to assist with the accuracy and quality of research proposals.
- To make enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Research and Ethics Committee at research@fcfcoa.gov.au.
The Courts’ value research that contributes to improved access to justice, public understanding of the legal system, and evidence-based policy and practice.
Involvement may range from informal consultation to collaboration, and may include in-kind assistance, participation and access to data (upon approval). The Courts do not provide direct funding for external research projects.
The Committee convenes approximately every 3 months to consider applications received, with the capacity to consider 3 - 4 applications quarterly.
Application Process
The Research Projects: Protocol for Consideration of Applications for the Courts’ Involvement (Research Project Protocol), outlines the process by which applications are received, assessed and approved. Researchers are encouraged to consult the Protocol when seeking the Courts’ involvement in a Research Project.
Any application for the Courts’ involvement in a research project must include:
- A completed Research Project Proposal Application Form (Application Form)
- Resume of the Lead Researcher
- Ethics approval
- Draft copies of proposed instruments/tools.
All enquiries and Applications must be directed to:
Research and Ethics Committee Secretariat
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Email: research@fcfcoa.gov.au
As a starting point, up to date information about the Courts work and operations can be found in the Courts’ Annual Reports, available here: Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Annual Reports.
If your proposed research may involve the Courts, an area of the Courts’ jurisdiction or you would like a member of the Courts to participate in your research project, please contact the Secretariat of the Research and Ethics Committee at research@fcfcoa.gov.au.
