Research Development and Governance Unit (RDGU)

RDGU offers expert guidance and assistance to Northern Health staff and partners, ensuring that research endeavours adhere to rigorous ethical standards and effective governance practices. Our team is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of research participants and upholding the highest ethical standards across all research activities conducted under the auspices of Northern Health.

We provide comprehensive support services, including:

  • Offering guidance on the preparation of governance applications
  • Monitoring and overseeing approved research projects
  • Providing training for novice researchers (coming soon)
  • Offering support in research design and methodology (coming soon)
  • Offering biostatistics expertise and support
  • Providing guidance on research integrity matters
  • Addressing complaints related to research activities

Through these services, the RDGU empowers Northern Health staff to conduct high-quality research that contributes to the betterment of community health and well-being.

General research or clinical trials enquiries
Email: nh.research@nh.org.au
Phone: (03) 840 52008

Research governance enquiries
Email: ResearchDGU@nh.org.au
Phone: (03) 846 80745

Location:
Northern Health Research Development and Governance Unit
Level 3 NCHER Building
185 Cooper St
EPPING VIC 3076.

Meet the team!

Professor Nik Zeps
Director of Research 
nikolajs.zeps@nh.org.au |0400 223 097		 Dr Justine Ellis
Research Operations Manager
Justine.Ellis@nh.org.au |(03) 846 80746
Dr Tilini Gunatillake
Senior Research Development Officer
tilini.gunatillake@nh.org.au |(03) 846 80742		 Dr Mani Suleiman
Clinical Biostatistician
mani.suleiman@nh.org.au |(03) 846 80763
Flona Yousif
Research Development and Governance Officer
ResearchDGU@nh.org.au |(03) 846 80745		 Hala Mehdi
Research Development and Governance Officer
ResearchDGU@nh.org.au |(03) 846 80743
Belinda De Poi
Quality Manager
belinda.depoi@nh.org.au
(03) 840 52918		 Brittany Szabo
Senior Advisor – Research
nh.research@nh.org.au |(03) 840 52008

Who can I talk to for research integrity advice and support?

Research Office
Professor Nik Zeps, Director of Research
(nh.research@nh.org.au or (03) 8405 2215)

Designated Officer
The Designated Officer is a senior professional, or academic appointed to receive complaints about the conduct of research, or potential breaches and to oversee their management and investigation where required.
The Northern Health Designated Officer is Professor Nik Zeps (nikolajs.zeps@nh.org.au)