Bellberry has been transforming medical research in Australia since 2004, with its ground-breaking model of independent Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs).
Bellberry was founded with one HREC; two decades later we host 12 (NHMRC certified) HRECs that meet weekly with a panel of more than 150 independent experts.
We have two key objectives: that is, to protect the welfare of human research participants, and to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of research.
Twenty years on, we are proud that these two principles continue to underpin everything we do.
Bellberry developed a new model for reviewing human based research by creating institutionally-independent HRECs made up of leading experts in their field.
From day one, our focus has been to provide robust, rigorous and timely reviews using the expertise of some of the most highly qualified people in Australia.
Today, Bellberry is the largest reviewer of human research in Australia, providing HREC services for more than 35% of all CTN (Clinical Trial Notification) trials conducted in Australia.
As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, Bellberry’s surplus funds are donated back into the sector to support the advancement of research knowledge through philanthropy and education.
To date, we have committed more than $9 million to Australia’s medical research sector, across a portfolio of people, projects and direct action initiatives.
To mark the start of our 20th year, Bellberry hosted an International Scientific Congress in Adelaide in June 2023 to discuss and workshop a coordinated approach for managing accelerated patient access to potentially beneficial medicines. Experts from all over the globe, including from the UK, US, Canada, Europe, Singapore and Japan, came together at this forum to work through this complex issue. Take a look at the highlights video from the Symposium in the Videos tab below. You’ll also see a tab for Podcasts where you will find our brand new podcast series, ‘From Lab To Life’.
With more exciting activities and initiatives planned to mark Bellberry’s special milestone of 20 years, be sure to drop by this page regularly for the latest news on what’s been happening.
Join us in celebrating 20 years of Bellberry!