When researchers think about ethics, they often think about applications, approvals and governance requirements. Sonia Hancock wants them to think about opportunity.
As Chair of the Metro South Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), Sonia is helping to foster a research environment where ethics is not simply a regulatory process, but a key enabler of high-quality, participant-centred research.
With more than 25 years of experience in research administration, ethics, integrity and governance, Sonia is passionate about helping researchers navigate requirements efficiently while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Having held a range of leadership roles across Metro South Health's research portfolio, Sonia brings extensive expertise in research governance, research integrity and strategic research advisory services.
Her focus on continuous improvement and servant leadership has seen her champion initiatives that streamline research processes, build capability, and support researchers to translate ideas into meaningful health outcomes.
Sonia's work strongly aligns with the priorities of the Metro South Health Research and Innovation Strategy, which aims to strengthen research capability, improve researcher experience, foster innovation, and support impactful research that improves patient care.
By reducing barriers and providing practical support, Sonia and the HREC team are helping create a research environment where excellence can thrive.
A key outcome of this commitment is the introduction of HREC Research Clinics, which are delivered across MSH facilities, providing researchers and clinicians a valuable opportunity to meet directly with the HREC Chair and members of Metro South Health Research.
This collaborative space empowers clinician-researchers to gain expert advice and insights at every stage of their research.
Exploring everything from project conception to ethical considerations, the aim is to make ethics support more accessible, more approachable, and available earlier in the research journey.
“We want researchers to see the HREC as a partner in their research journey,” Sonia said.
“By providing advice early, we can help strengthen projects, support researchers through the review process, and ultimately contribute to better research outcomes.”
Known for her collaborative approach, Sonia believes that strong ethical oversight and research excellence go hand in hand.
“At the heart of every project is the opportunity to improve outcomes for patients and communities. Supporting researchers to conduct ethical, impactful research is what motivates us every day.”
As Metro South continues to grow as one of Australia's leading health research communities, initiatives such as the HREC Research Clinics demonstrate how the Research and Innovation Strategy is being translated into action by providing practical support, building capability, and empowering researchers to deliver high-quality research that makes a difference.