Research integrity advisers

Research Integrity Advisers (RIAs) act as the first contact point for students and staff, as well as external stakeholders, to provide impartial advice and guidance to people who may be concerned about a research conduct issue and uncertain about what steps to take.

RIAs can:

• advise on acceptable and responsible research practices;
• advise on the options available to resolve a concern locally, or the appropriate University processes for dealing with a formal complaint or allegation;
• provide general information on research integrity, including updates to policies and procedures.

RIAs do not:

• advocate for or on behalf of any staff member or student;
• investigate or manage any allegation or formal research misconduct complaint;
• manage or provide any formal advice on issues of sexual harassment or bullying. These issues should be reported to a supervisor or another senior member of staff to be dealt with appropriately.

See the UOW Research Integrity website for further information.

 SMAH Research Integrity advisers

The RIA role is Faculty-wide so any of the RIAs below may be approached for advice or guidance.

Professor Chao Deng - School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences
chao_deng@uow.edu.au, 02 4221 4934, Building 32.331
Chao Deng is a Professorial Research Fellow who was awarded a PhD in Neuroscience and Behaviour at the University of New England and completed his postdoctoral training at the University of New South Wales. He is a leading expert in the neuropharmacology of antipsychotic drugs, in which his research has been continually funded by NHMRC Project grants. He is currently an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, has extensive experience in animal research and HDR supervision, and has served as an appointed member in the NHMRC Project Grant Review Panel Committee and the NHMRC Early Career Fellow Peer Review Panel. Prof Deng has serviced as a Member of the UOW Gene Technology Review Committee, and a member of the UOW Animal Ethics Committee.

Dr Alexandru Codilean - School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences
codilean@uow.edu.au 02 4221 3426, Building 41.G23

Professor Lezanne Ooi – School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons
lezanne_ooi@uow.edu.au, 02 4221 5865, Building 32
Professor Lezanne Ooi is group leader of the Neurodevelopment and Neurodegeneration Lab. She was awarded a PhD from the University of Leeds, UK. Her research focuses on cellular neuroscience and her lab generates and uses cell lines from donated human tissue. She has previously served on the UOW Human Research Ethics Committee, the Research Ethics Steering Board, the Cell Lines Working Party and the Research Misconduct Policy and Procedure Working Party.

Professor Steven Frost – School of Nursing
steven_frost@uow.edu.au, 02 8879 0486
Steve is a Professorial Fellow in the School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health. He undertook his doctoral studies with the Bone and Osteoporosis group at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. Steve was recently recognised as one of the top 2% of nursing scientist world-wide. His current clinical projects are focused on delirium screening and prevention, frailty, and the risk of adverse events during a hospital stay, the implementation of models of care to reduce the risk of subsequent fracture, following an initial minimal trauma-fracture. Steve's main interest in research integrity is based in the concept of the "Researcher as the ethical agent", and that research integrity training, like any other skill for conducting research, is essential during formative years as a higher degree student or during post-doctorial training. Steve has been a member of the South Western Sydney Local Health District's HREC since March 2020.

Professor Judy Mullan – Graduate School of Medicine
judy_mullan@uow.edu.au, 02 4221 5980, Building 28.115

Professor Judy Mullan is the Associate Head of School Research for the Graduate School of Medicine and Deputy Director of the General Practice Research and Education Network (GPREN) a research network of over 60 GP practices. She is a registered pharmacist and was awarded her PhD in Public Health from the University of Wollongong. She is recognised nationally and internationally for her research in chronic disease management, quality use of medicines, and the health literacy needs of patients and their carers. Throughout her career, she has upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethics in her research and professional endeavors.