Nic Aagaard
​Manager of Ethics, Ministry of Health, NZ

​Nic Aagaard is the Manager of Ethics at the Ministry of Health in New Zealand.  He has responsibility for seven National Ethics Committees across health research, bioethics and assisted reproductive technologies. His academic background is in bioethics, with a Masters from Monash University. Nic was awarded a fellowship to work at the World Health Organisation in Geneva, and has represented New Zealand at the Dakar, Senegal and Lisbon, Portugal Global Summit of Bioethics Committees, and was the lead advisor for the Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting of Bioethics Committees held in Wellington, New Zealand. In his spare time, he walks his dog and oil paints. 

---

The Future of Research Ethics Review

This session will provide an insight into research ethics review through Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health. It will include an update on the revision of the National Ethical Standards for Health and Disability Research and Quality Improvement and the opportunities for attendees to participate in the public consultation on the revised guidance. 
 
The Ethics team will also introduce a new programme of work looking at the future of research ethics review. This work is looking at how to develop a robust system that will be fit for purpose looking ahead five years, encompassing the significant changes in the health sector and legislation due to be implemented. We will outline the insights from our initial stakeholder engagement and next stages of development in creating a robust, proportionate and streamlined system.