28 November 2025
Congratulations to Joel Seah from the National University of Singapore for winning the Rob Loblay Prize at the 6th Australian & New Zealand HREC Conference for his presentation on ‘Would we want generative artificial intelligence in institutional review boards?’
Joel’s presentation stood out for its novel and future-focused exploration of how generative artificial intelligence, including large language models, could support Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in achieving more consistent ethical analysis, clearer reasoning, and strengthened oversight.
His work sparked substantial discussion across the organising committee and the broader audience, reflecting both its relevance and its originality. Joel’s contribution clearly carried the spirit of the award, bringing forward innovative thinking with real operational value.
Joel is a PhD student at the Centre for Biomedical Ethics, NUS, and holds a BSc in Biological Sciences. A former Human Research Protection Programme (HRPP) professional, he has held roles as an analyst and manager at the IRBs of National Healthcare Group, Singapore Management University, and Nanyang Technological University.
He is a member of the Consortium to Advance Effective Research Ethics Oversight which seeks to improve HRPP/IRB effectiveness, and on the advisory board for the Human Research Protections Clubhouse (hosted by SUNY Downstate) – a platform for networking & empowering HRPP/IRB professionals at all levels across the human research enterprise.
The award was presented by Associate Professor Suzie Ferrie from Sydney Local Health District. The award is sponsored by Sydney Local Health District in memory of Rob Loblay and the significant contribution he made to the human research ethics community until he passed away in October 2024.
As Associate Professor Ferrie put it, Rob was known for his laid-back but incisive style, his ability to cut through complexity, and his talent for delivering big ideas in unconventional and memorable ways. The award exists to honour his spirit and encourage ongoing innovation and brave thinking across the sector.
The Rob Loblay Award recognises a presentation at the annual Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) Conference that reflects Rob Loblay’s legacy of bold, lateral and pragmatic thinking. It celebrates speakers who are willing to be a little controversial when needed, push boundaries, bring fresh and innovative perspectives, and communicate ideas in a way that genuinely engages and challenges the audience, as the judges put it. The award acknowledges work that is imaginative, unexpected, and forward-leaning while remaining grounded in practical value for the ethics and governance community.
The annual HREC Conference is aimed at human research ethics chairs, committee members, administrators and researchers. It provides up-to-date information about the National Statement and the challenges and opportunities faced in HREC work.
Visit this year's HREC Conference web page for more details about the conference and the HREC Conference resources page to download presentation slide decks or watch the publicly available presentation recordings.
Read more about last year's inaugural Rob Loblay Prize winner.
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