Two highly respected Mater clinicians have been appointed to guide the ethical oversight of research across Mater. Associate Professor Anne Leditschke has been named Chair of the Mater Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), joined by Dr Andrew Swayne as Deputy Chair.
With their combined wealth of experience in clinical care, research governance and clinical ethics, A/Prof Leditschke and Dr Swayne are well-placed to lead the HREC in ensuring Mater’s research continues to reflect the highest ethical and professional standards.
A/Prof Leditschke is an Eminent Specialist in Mater’s Adult Intensive Care Service and an Associate Professor at Mater Research. Bringing more than 30 years of experience across metropolitan, private and regional hospitals, her background spans critical care medicine, clinical ethics, leadership and research.
Throughout her career, A/Prof Leditschke has held numerous leadership roles, including Director and Deputy Director of Intensive Care Units, alongside senior research appointments and membership on national and international committees.
She has made significant contributions to clinical ethics through her work on the National Framework for Advance Care Directives, the Mater Clinical Ethics Committee and the National End of Life Law for Clinicians program. She is also a highly respected educator involved in curriculum design and national medical training programs.
Joining her in leadership is Dr Andrew Swayne, a Neurologist at the Mater Centre for Neurosciences, Clinical Director of Neurology and Lead of the Neuroimmunology and Stroke Research Group at Mater Research.
Dr Swayne brings substantial expertise in clinical leadership, medical governance and research ethics. A member of the Mater HREC since 2025, his background in medical law and ethics perfectly complements his extensive clinical research portfolio, which includes major contributions to the fields of autoimmune encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, and neuroimmunology.
The Mater HREC plays a central role in protecting the rights, dignity, safety and wellbeing of people participating in research conducted at or through Mater.
Established in accordance with the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, the Committee includes diverse representation across clinical, research, legal, pastoral care, and community perspectives to ensure robust, multidisciplinary review.
The HREC's core responsibilities include:
- Conducting ethical review and oversight of human research involving Mater.
- Ensuring all research is ethically justifiable, scientifically sound, and compliant with relevant legislation and Catholic Health Australia’s Code of Ethical Standards.
- Assessing research proposals to guarantee respect for participants, an appropriate risk–benefit balance, and alignment with community expectations.
- Providing independent expert advice on research ethics.
Mater Research Executive Director Professor Allison Pettit welcomes A/Prof Leditschke and Dr Swayne to their new roles.
“I look forward to their ongoing leadership in supporting innovative, ethical, and impactful research at Mater,” she said.
