Application Process
Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) Approval, Variations and Reporting Requirements
How to Apply for HREC Approval
Step 1: Familiarise yourself with relevant National Guidelines:
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) - Updated 2018
- The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023)—Effective 1 January 2024
- Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth) Section 14, Schedule 1 - Australian Privacy Principles
- AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (the AIATSIS Code)
- Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders
Step 2: Complete the online form:
(Please note: If you have used both a Staff and Student ID to login please remember which access ID you have saved your project.)
Helpful Information for Applicants
Prior to submitting an ethics application to the HREC, all applicants are encouraged to read the following information. This highlights the important things applicants should consider when preparing an ethics application. The list also includes a lesson learnt document that will be an evolving document addressing the challenges the HREC and Ethics Office have faced, along with suggested solutions.
- Helpful Information for Applicants
- Participant Information and Consent Form
- Guide to Participants - Agreeing to Participate in Research
- Research Participation Scheme for Students
- Clinical Trial Application guidelines
- Guidelines for Supervisors of Research Student
- Social Media Guidelines
- Research Involving Children
- Lessons Learnt 2021
- Lessons Learnt 2022
HREC Coursework Guidelines
These guidelines were developed and endorsed by the University of Canberra's HREC to support the ethical conduct of student projects that have a human research dimension, but do not require formal approval by the HREC. The main purpose of the document is to provide ethical guidelines for course conveners where there is a human research dimension for the purposes of student learning, but where formal approval is not being sought or required.
If you are unsure your project needs approval, please email the Research Integrity and Ethics Manager via humanethicscommittee@canberra.edu.au
How to Submit a Variation/Amendment or External (Cross Institutional) approvals
It may be necessary to make amendments to the protocol approved by the HREC. Please submit amendments for projects through the new online system, please contact the Research and Integrity Team to request access to your project. humanethicscommittee@canberra.edu.au.
*** If you have received Ethics approval from another institution (including ACT Health or Calvary Hospital), please submit this through the online application process. (Please select the Cross Institutional Option)
Reporting of adverse events
Any unexpected adverse events or complications that occur anytime during the conduct of a research study or during the follow up period after the research must be reported to the Research Ethics & Integrity team. These matters must be reported promptly via email to humanethicscommittee@canberra.edu.au.
The following information must be provided:
- Chief Investigator and Ethics approval details
- Description of the adverse event
- Date and site of adverse event
- Impact on participants
- Immediate actions taken to mitigate harm and risk to participants
- Actions required to reduce the risk of recurrence
Failure to report adverse events promptly may result in the withdrawal of the Ethics approval.
Reporting Requirements
The HREC is required by the National Health and Medical Research Council to monitor the conduct of approved research.
It is mandatory, therefore, for researchers to submit annual review reports during the approval period of your project.
Please use the form that is in the templates in the online system.