Explanatory Statement
Project ID: 37009

You are invited to take part in an international survey of forensic science following the publication of the Sydney Declaration, which is part of a broader endeavour entitled Awareness of the Sydney Declaration among forensic science practitioners: an international survey. Please read this Explanatory Statement in full before deciding whether or not to participate in this research. If you would like further information regarding any aspect of this project, you are encouraged to contact Associate Professor Michelle Miranda mirandmd@farmingdale.edu

What does the research involve?
This research project aims to (1) collect feedback from forensic science practitioners about the definition and the principles as described in the Sydney Declaration, (2) assess how well the Sydney Declaration has been disseminated and (3) what aspects of the Sydney Declaration (if any) have been implemented. The research will also be used to inform and direct future projects relating to the Sydney Declaration and its practical implementation.
You will be asked to access an anonymous online survey and answer questions about your views on defining forensic science, your knowledge of the Sydney Declaration, and your level of understanding and agreement with the principles that comprise the Sydney Declaration. The survey should take no more than approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.

Why were you chosen for this research?
You have been invited to participate in this research because you have been identified as an active forensic science practitioner, educator or researcher.

Consenting to participate in the project and withdrawing from the research
Completion of this survey is completely voluntary and you will remain anonymous, but you must be 18 years old or older to participate in this survey. The researchers are unable to determine who has completed the survey and cannot trace a survey back to a certain participant. Therefore, it will not be possible to withdraw data once you have submitted your responses. We do not require you to complete a consent form; instead please indicate that you consent by ticking the box at the end of this statement.

Possible benefits and risks to participants
We cannot guarantee or promise that you will receive any benefits from this research; however, possible benefits that may come from this research include improvements to forensic science and the Sydney Declaration, increased awareness and promotion of the Declaration, and the development of best practices to facilitate its implementation.
The survey asks general questions about awareness and understanding of, and agreement or disagreement with the content of the Sydney Declaration. In this setting, there no foreseeable risk of psychological or physical discomfort. Following the conclusion of the survey, there are no foreseeable risks from the data analysis and beyond. Identification of survey participants is highly unlikely as the survey is anonymous.

Confidentiality
By selecting the consent tick box, you consent to the research team collecting and using demographic information about you for the research project. The information that the research team collects and uses is related to your region as well as your role, discipline, years of experience in forensic science, and highest qualification. Your anonymous information will only be used for the purpose of this research project and it will only be disclosed with your permission, except as required by law.

Storage of data
Data will be stored by the researchers on secure Monash University computer systems, and only the researchers will have access to the data. The data will be retained for five years as required by University policy. When no longer required it will be destroyed through permanent deletion of digital records.

Results
This study is scheduled to be completed by September 2023, the findings of which will be presented to the forensic science community through presentations and publications. If you would like to be provided with a copy of the journal article, we would be happy to send the final publication to you via Associate Professor Michelle Miranda mirandmd@farmingdale.edu

Complaints
Should you have any concerns or complaints about the conduct of the project, you are welcome to contact the:
Executive Officer, Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC):
Room 111, Chancellery Building D,
26 Sports Walk, Clayton Campus
Research Office
Monash University VIC 3800
Tel: +61 3 9905 2052 Email: muhrec@monash.edu Fax: +61 3 9905 3831

Coordinating Principal Investigator
Associate Professor Lyndal Bugeja
Department of Forensic Medicine
Monash University
Melbourne, Australia

Associates Investigators
Dr Rebecca Bucht
Quality Manager
Forensic Science Laboratory
Finnish National Bureau of Investigation

Associate Professor Michelle Miranda
Director, Centre for Criminal Justice Studies
Farmingdale State College
New York, United States of America

Distinguished Professor Claude Roux
Director, Centre for Forensic Science
University of Technology Sydney
Sydney, Australia

Before commencing, please confirm that you have read and understood the explanatory statement and consent to participate by selecting the box below.