HeLEX@Melbourne was established at Melbourne Law School in 2017 by Professor Jane Kaye
We focus on the legal and regulatory frameworks for new health technologies – like genomics, stem cell research, gene editing and digital health. We work closely with Oxford-based Centre for Health, Law and Emerging Technologies (HeLEX@Oxford) and interact with the broader Melbourne Law School Health Law and Ethics Network (HLEN).
Our broad research themes: law, governance and best practice in emerging technologies in health. Promoting individual empowerment; social equity and inclusion; the public interest; and accountability and legitimacy.
Current work includes: governance of health data, data protection and privacy, dynamic consent and digital health, electronic health records, regulatory requirements for different emerging technologies such as genome sequencing and the application of stem cells.
We have formal and informal partnerships with a range of organisations, government departments and networks including:
Submissions to government:
- HeLEX@Melbourne team
Keeping pace with the health revolution 
Vaccination status – when your medical information is private and when it’s not
TMR Podcast: When a patient hits 'Record'Megan Prictor discusses the legal considerations of recording medical consults
12 November 2020
Can you record your doctor's appointment?Megan Prictor joins Dilruk Jayasinha - ABC Radio Melbourne
2 November 2020
Want to record your doctor's appointment?Great idea, but first, check it's legal
Regulating Medical Devices in the 'Internet of Things'New research explores the gap between regulation and practice in healthcare devices, particularly for type 1 diabetes, that are part of the Internet of Things
Triple R - Radio interviewDr Carolyn Johnston, an expert on medical law and ethics comments on Victoria's new voluntary assisted dying laws that come into effect this week (at 01:10:43).
DIY Diabetes Management: An Ethical DilemmaRegulators are catching up with new DIY technologies that promise to help manage Type 1 Diabetes.
Navigating Assisted Dying in VictoriaThe legalisation of voluntary assisted dying in Victoria raises ethical, legal and policy challenges.
Podcast - My Health RecordDr Megan Prictor was asked whether our personal and confidential data is safe in the system, and our options to restrict who can gain access and for what purpose.
Health data - what's new in the law?
If privacy is increasing for My Health Record data, it should apply to all medical records
Private health sector most vulnerable to data breaches - report
My Health Record – Opt In or Opt Out? The Pros and ConsRadio Interview - 'Open House', Hope FM
22 July 2018- My Health Record: your questions answered
Radio Interview - 'Life Matters', ABC Radio National
19 July 2018 
Data security in the spotlightDr Megan Prictor, Dr Jessica Bell and Associate Professor Mark Taylor say, The Notifiable Data Breaches scheme will help keep our data safer, but it could go further, like schemes overseas do.
Data security: Radio interviewRadio Interview on Pulse Radio, Geelong with Dr Megan Prictor about the new Commonwealth Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme.
Who owns your DNA?DNA can provide unique information, but who actually owns it? According Dr Carolyn Johnston, Professor Jane Kaye, Dr Jessica Bell, Dr Megan Prictor and Dr Harriet Teare the answer is far from simple.
Triple R - Radio interviewAn episode of Breakfasters - 11 October 2017
(from 1:43:49)
Upcoming Events
Past Events
- ThursdayThe International conference on the Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) in the use of Big Data & International Conference on China’s Ethics Committee Development (ECD)
- 11th National Paediatric Research Conference
- Australasian Association of Bioethics & Health Law
- How can legal frameworks support the use of digital tech in the COVID19 response?
- MondayThe Road ahead in Implementing Personal Data Protection Legislation Effectively: Lessons from EU and Beyond
- Reimagining Health Genomics: Technology Summit
- Sharing with the Private Sector: Roles and Responsibilities
- TuesdayMegan Prictor spoke about audio consultation recordings and the law with Amelia Hyatt (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre)
- MondayAudio recording doctor-patient consultations with Megan Prictor and Amelia Hyatt
- WednesdayRegulation of innovative technology in healthcare
- Wednesday2:30pmWEH/Ethox Seminar - Trustworthy governance and commercial users of health data: what is a reasonable expectation of privacy?
- Thursday10:00am - 10:30amPhD Confirmation Seminar by Tess Whitton
- ‘Continuity in a world of change: culture, diversity and mutual learning’
- TuesdayCybersecurity & Targeted Hacking: Can MyHealth Protect Our Data?
- MondayDigital Technology and Big Data: ethics, privacy, special considerations
- TuesdayHealth, Law and Ethics Network Launch
- Applying adaptive governance to emerging technologies in health
- FridaySecurity by Design: The Emperor’s New Clothes in the Cybersecurity Space?
- HISA Health Data Analytics Conference
- The Art of Biobanking (16th Annual Conference)
- Australian Association of Bioethics and Health Law (AABHL) Conference
- Global Ideas Forum 2018
- WednesdayConsent Public Forum
- TuesdayAI and digital health
- ThursdayHuman Genetics Society of Australasia Annual Tasmanian Seminar
- MondayWhat's new in the law?
- ThursdayImproving research access to government held health data
- National Medicines Symposium 2018
- ThursdayHeLEX@Melbourne Launch: Who Owns Your DNA?
