Human Remains, Community Consultation and Consent

Research involving human remains, descendant or Indigenous communities, oral histories, interviews or culturally sensitive knowledge requires particular care.

Human remains

Authors must follow applicable law, institutional requirements and the policies of the relevant repository or custodial authority. The manuscript should explain permissions, identification methods, treatment, storage and plans for return or reburial where relevant.

Community consultation

Research involving descendant, Indigenous or local communities should describe meaningful consultation and any consent, benefit-sharing, access or publication agreements.

Living participants

Interviews, surveys and other research involving living people require appropriate ethics review and informed consent. Authors must protect privacy and explain whether quotations, images or identifying details may be published.

Images and sensitive information

Images of human remains, sacred material or restricted cultural practices should be included only when justified and permitted. Editors may request evidence of authorization.