Conduct research with STARS

STARS and the STARS Education and Research Alliance (SERA) are committed to supporting collaborative, impactful research. If you’re interested in conducting a research project in partnership with STARS, please review the information on this webpage, including the process for initiating new collaborations.

We strongly encourage research teams to engage in collaborative discussions with the SERA team and STARS clinical leaders early in the planning phase. SERA has developed a practical guide to help clinicians and researchers navigate human research processes at STARS. This includes a 3-page flowchart and accompanying notes, endorsed by the STARS Clinical Research Committee in July 2023 and updated from time to time. Please review the information and resources on this webpage, and the Metro North Research website. STARS staff may also access the STARS research intranet webpage for additional resources.

Is Your Project a Quality Initiative or Research?

Projects often sit on a continuum between quality improvement (e.g. clinical audits, service evaluations, case studies) and formal research. Each approach is valid and governed by different frameworks. All projects conducted at STARS—regardless of type—require appropriate governance.

• Quality initiatives must be registered on the STARS Quality Activities Register. Tier 1 quality activities are recorded centrally (monthly reporting at the Safety and Quality committee). Tier 2 quality activities are recorded within a local area/team.
• Research projects are recorded in the STARS Research Portfolio.

See the MN or STARS Safety and Quality websites on QHEPS (Queensland Health network computers only). The Metro North Research Office has information and a helpful guide to determine whether a project is a quality initiative or research. Contact the STARS Safety and Quality team for further information on quality activities.

Starting a research project in STARS

We encourage early engagement with the SERA team and STARS clinical leaders during the planning phase of your project. If you’re planning a funding application or research project in STARS, please review the information on this webpage and contact the STARS Research Support Officer (RSO) on STARS_Research@health.qld.gov.au for support. For new research projects, complete the STARS study overview template (provided by the RSO) and send us your draft protocol (if developed). The Study Overview captures key details such as your research question, team members, sponsor, and the support or resources requested from STARS. Please also review the STARS Clinical Research Collaboration Criteria to understand how projects are prioritised.

A Think-Tank may be arranged between the research team and relevant staff in STARS (clinicians, researchers, support staff etc). This ~1hr meeting is an opportunity to discuss your research project with members of the Alliance and clinical leaders to determine alignment with our collaboration criteria and feasibility at STARS. Thinktanks provide a stimulating and supportive forum for clinical researchers interested in progressing research ideas. The think-tanks are an opportunity to discuss and share ideas to develop and strengthen study protocols, through in-depth discussion, and constructive feedback.

Ethics and Governance Requirements

All research conducted at STARS must comply with the Metro North Research Policy (004365). This includes:

• Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval
• Site-Specific Assessment (SSA) that includes STARS as a site

Please note: STARS is a separate hospital from RBWH. However, both may be included in a multi-site HREC/SSA application via Metro North. Visit the Metro North Health Ethics and Governance webpage for more information.

Research outputs and impact

If you have any STARS-related research achievements/outcomes (publications, funding, awards), research translation and impact stories that you’d like to share or promote, please contact the Conjoint Senior Manager on susan.sullivan@uq.edu.au

We encourage all researchers affiliated with The University of Queensland or Metro North to include the Alliance affiliation in research outputs—especially when the work involves STARS patients, staff, or facilities. This helps promote STARS as a research-active hospital and supports accurate reporting of research impact. See our guide for further information.

The Metro North Research Policy 004365 provides the overarching guide for all research conducted by, or in collaboration with Metro North. See Metro North Research website.​ All research conducted at STARS will require human ethics approval and a site-specific assessment (SSA) that includes STARS as a site. Please note that STARS is a separate hospital to RBWH, but both sites may be included in a multi-site HREC/SSA application via Metro North. Please refer to the Metro North Health Ethics and Governance webpage for further information.