ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

Skip to content

Applications and reporting

The ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø reviews all human research ethics applications in accordance with the . 

All ethics submissions, including new applications, amendments, exemptions, prior approvals, adverse event and milestone reports are to be made through . Please see the relevant tabs below for further information on how to submit.

To start a new Human Research Ethics application for ethics review and approval, please head to within RISE.

  1. Select 'Start new ethics application';
  2. If a project record related to your research project already exists, such as one created through Sponsored Projects, selected the corresponding project under which to create your ethics application. If no related project is listed, scroll to the bottom and select 'Submit an application for a new project';
  3. Select 'Start ethics application' and complete the application accordingly.

For resources on how to complete an ethics application, refer to the Application support page. For technical support and information on how to navigate Ethics Monitor, please refer to the , or visit the  site.

 Important:
    • For projects that do not yet have ethics approval, you must select ‘No’ on the overview page in response to the question: 'Do you have a current approval from another Ethics Committee to conduct this project?'.  'Yes' should only be selected here if you are requesting to register a project at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø that already has ethics approval from another Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). For more details on prior approval requests, refer to the 'Research approved by another Human Research Ethics Committee'.

    The following supporting documents need to be uploaded to your HRE application:

    • any relevant permissions
    • recruitment material
    • participant information sheets
    • consent forms (if required)
    • data collection tools i.e survey/interview questions
    • any additional supporting documents

    If your project involves any of the following, contact the Ethics Office before completing a HRE application:

    • genetic testing
    • analysis of genetic material
    • clinical trials

    Additional information

    If you are involved in the conduct of research that has been approved by another Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) you must request to have the project noted by the Human ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø HREC. To do this, an application must be submitted via following the steps above on 'How to submit a new application'. 

    Important

    On the 'Overview' page, select ‘Yes’ in response to the question: 'Do you have a current approval from another Ethics Committee to conduct this project? This will ensure the Prior Approval Request Form appears in your application when you click ‘Save and Continue’ at the bottom of the page.

    The Prior Approval Form is a shortened version of the full ethics application and is used to register externally approved projects at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. Once the ethics reviewers are satisfied with your submission, you will receive an outcome of ‘Noted’, indicating that the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø HREC has acknowledged the project and recorded its approval status.

    The following supporting documents must be attached to your Prior Approval application:

    • current ethics approval letter received by the approving HREC (lead HREC)
    • a copy of the ethics application submitted to and approved by the lead HREC
    • information sheets
    • consent forms
    • data collection tools
    • any other relevant supporting documents.

    Note: if a project is no longer monitored by the approving HREC, for example, when a student transfers from another university, the existing ethics approval may no longer be valid, even if it has not yet expired. In such cases, we are unable to acknowledge ethics approval, and a new ethics application may be required. Please contact the ethics office to discuss your specific circumstances and determine the appropriate next steps.

    If you need to make changes or request an extension to your approved HRE application, the changes must be reviewed and approved by the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Human Research Ethics Committee before implementation.

    Please submit your amendment request via However, do not use the 'Create New Application' option for amendments. Instead, follow the detailed steps outlined below to ensure your request is processed correctly.

    Please note: If your Ethics application was originally approved in RIMS, it has been migrated over to RISE - Ethics Monitor. These means you must now use Ethics Monitor to create and submit your amendment application. RIMS approved applications are referred to as 'Legacy applications' and there are slightly different steps involved when submitting an amendment to a legacy application. These steps are detailed further below.

     How to submit an amendment (RISE approved application):

    1. Log into ;
    2.  Select 'My Applications';
    3.  Find the HRE approval you wish to amend and select the corresponding ID number (not the project title);
    4.  Select 'Submit an amendment' then 'Create new ethics application for amendments':
      • Please note, if you did not create the initial ethics application you may need to select 'Back', then select 'Take over this task', then 'Edit application' - the system will alert you to this.
    5.  Complete the amendment overview page and select 'Save and continue';
    6.  Make the required changes throughout the application;
    7.  Select 'Confirm' then 'Submit application':
      • (a) If you are the PI, you will be asked to confirm the declaration - Tick the confirmation box at the bottom of the screen then select "Confirm: Submit application'.
      • (b) If you are not the PI, you will be asked to delegate the application to the PI - Select the person listed as PI (if you are a student, this will be your principal supervisor). The PI will then need to open the amendment application, select 'Submit application' and follow step (a).

     

     How to submit an amendment (Legacy application):

    1.  Log into ;
    2.  Enter your RIMS application ID into the 'Quick search' bar;
    3.  Select the application - it will now have a RISE approval number with the label 'Legacy'.
    4.  Select 'Submit an amendment' then 'Create new ethics application for amendments':
      • Please note, you may need to select 'Back', then select 'Take over this task', then 'Edit application' - the system will alert you to this;
    5.  Complete the Legacy amendment overview page and note the following:
      • If you are only changing investigators, requesting an extension, and/or changing the title, select 'Save and continue' and make the required changes - Submit as per step 7 above.
      • If you select 'other' you MUST select 'Save for later' and contact the Ethics Office before proceeding with making any changes. The Ethics Office will need to manually input your previous approval into the form and send it back to so you can make the required changes.

    You can refer to the  for further information on how to navigate RISE - Ethics monitor, or visit the  site.

    It is a standard condition of Human Research Ethics approval that a milestone report is submitted annually and upon completion of the project. When you are due to report, you should receive a notification directing you to go in to the system, and complete this requirement. Unlike new HRE applications and amendment requests, anyone listed as an investigator can create and submit a milestone report.

    Please use  to submit your milestone. However, do not use the 'Create New Application' option for milestone reports. Instead, follow the detailed steps outlined below to ensure your request is processed correctly.

    Please note: If your Ethics application was approved in RIMS, it has been migrated over to RISE - Ethics Monitor - You must use Ethics Monitor to create and submit your milestone report. 

     How to submit a milestone report

    1. Click the link in your notification email (View dates here) - this will take you to the overarching project page not your ethics application;
    2. Select 'Ethics' from the right-hand side;
    3. Select your Ethics approval record - if amendments have been made this will be your most current approved amendment record.
    4. Select 'Report a milestone' then 'Report a milestone' again on the next page to confirm;
      • Please note, if you did not create the initial ethics application you may need to select 'Back', then select 'Take over this task', then 'Edit application' - the system will alert you if this is the case.
    5.  Complete the form and select 'Confirm', then 'Submit application';
    6.  Tick the declaration box and select 'Confirm: Submit application'.
     Alternate method
    1.  Log into ;
    2.  Select 'My Projects';
    3.  Select the project that your Ethics approval relates to then follow steps 2 - 6 as above;

    Refer to the for further information on how to navigate RISE - Ethics monitor, or visit the  site.

    At ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø all Human Research Ethics applications must undergo a peer review process prior to submission.

    The peer review process is designed to enhance the quality and rigour of ethics applications and to support researchers in preparing robust submissions.

    Responsibilities of applicants

    Applicants are responsible for:

    • identifying and liaising with a suitable peer reviewer. This should be someone who is familiar with the type of research proposed but not directly involved with the research project; 
    • providing the chosen peer reviewer a copy of their ethics application and the Human Ethics Peer Review Checklist. A PDF copy of the draft ethics application can be downloaded from the timeline page of the ethics application record within ;
    • responding to any feedback provided by the peer reviewer by revising their application accordingly - see 'Following peer review' below; and
    • uploading the completed Checklist to their ethics application prior to submission.

    Responsibilities of peer reviewers

    Peer reviewers are required to:

    • review the ethics application against the Peer Review Checklist, ensuring each item is addressed and providing feedback where necessary;
    • return the completed checklist directly to the applicant; and if required,
    • complete the second review to confirm the project demonstrates research merit. 

    Following peer review

    If the outcome of the peer review identifies that the project does not yet demonstrate research merit, the applicant must:

    • revise the application in line with the peer review feedback;
    • complete the ‘summary of the changes’ section within the Checklist; and
    • return the revised application and Checklist to the peer reviewer for a second review.

    If the peer reviewer is satisfied that the project demonstrates research merit, the applicant must upload the completed Checklist to the relevant section of the ethics application before it is submitted for the consideration of the local authoriser. 

    Unsuccessful second review

    Should the peer reviewer still find the project lacking in research merit after a second review, they are advised to refer the application to the relevant Head of School, Centre or Department. A decision will then be made on whether further changes to the project are required or if a new peer reviewer should be sought.

    Ethics application submission

    Once submitted, the ethics application is automatically forwarded to the local authoriser associated with the ‘host department’ selected in the application by the applicant. The person assigned as local authoriser will generally be the Head of School, Associate Head of Research or Centre/Department lead. The local authoriser will either:

    • endorse the application by forwarding it to the ‘Research Ethics Committee Secretary’, or
    • return it to the applicant for further revision.

    Please note: An application is not officially submitted to the ethics office until it has been endorsed by the local authoriser. It is the applicant’s responsibility to allow sufficient time for this endorsement process and to monitor the status of their application during this process. Please refer to the ethics review process and timelines page for more information about these processes.

    All researchers and peer reviewers are encouraged to consult the University’s Statement on Peer Review for further information.

    All ethics applications must undergo local authoriser review and endorsement before they are submitted to the ethics office for ethics review. This is an automated workflow process actioned by the system upon submission of the application. See detailed steps further below.

    Local Authorisers will have a general look at the application, and pay specific attention to the following in their review:

    • Does the project align with the research focus of the School (or Centre) and the research team?
    • Has the application undergone a peer review?
    • Are there any risks specific to the School, students or courses? If yes, are these being managed appropriately?
    • Are there appropriate resources for the project?

    Local authorises are referred to the following guidance document when undertaking their reviews: Local Authoriser guidance - human or animal ethics.pdf

    Who are the local authorisers?

    A local authoriser is the person, determined by the local area, as being responsible for reviewing and either endorsing or pushing back ethics applications before they reach the ethics office for ethics review. This person will usually be the Head of School/Department/Centre or the Associate Head of Research. 

    Workflow steps for submission to local authoriser
      1.  The project team collaborate on the design of the project and participate in drafting the ethics application (this can be done using the 'delegate this task' and 'take over the task' actions in the system - only one person can edit the application at a time) then arrange to have the application undergo mandatory peer review.

      2. Once peer review is complete, the Principal Investigator submits the ethics application through for approval - either using the 'save and continue' button on the last tab of the form or by the 'submit application' button in the ethic application overview screen. Note: Students can not be Principal Investigators on ethics applications, the primary supervisor should be listed as the PI and will therefore submit the application.

      3. Upon submission, the application is automatically forwarded to the local authoriser associated with the ‘host department’ identified by the applicant within overview page of the application. The local authoriser will receive an email notification to alert them that an application is awaiting their review and endorsement. Note: It is important that the response provided to the 'Host department' question is correct to ensure the application if forwarded to the correct local authoriser.

      4. The local authoriser reviews the application using the guidance document above and either sends the application back to the project team or submits it through to the ethics office to confirm endorsement.

      Please note: An application is not officially submitted to the ethics office until it has been endorsed by the local authoriser. It is the applicant’s responsibility to allow sufficient time for this endorsement process and to monitor the status of their application during this process. Please refer to the ethics review process and timelines page for more information.

      Quality assurance or evaluation activities must be reviewed and approved by your relevant Senior Manager, Head of School or Centre Director.

      Depending on what is involved with your quality assurance or evaluation activities, there are occasions where ethics approval may also be required. Please use the checklist below to determine if you will need to apply for Ethics approval.

      Please review the following guidelines before commencing quality assurance or evaluation activities:

      If an adverse or unexpected event occurs during research or as a result of the research, please use the adverse event report form in . Anyone listed as an investigator can create and submit and adverse event report.

       How to handle unexpected events

      1. Log into ;
      2. Select 'My Applications';
      3. Find the HRE approval you need to report on - select the application ID number (not the title);
      4. Select 'Report an adverse event' then 'Report an adverse event' again on the next page to confirm;
        • Please note, if you did not initiate the original ethics application you may need to select 'back' then select 'take over this task' then 'Edit application' - the system will alert you to this.
      5. Complete the form and select 'Confirm', then 'Submit application', then 'Confirm: Submit application'.

      You can refer to the  for further information on how to navigate RISE - Ethics monitor, or visit the .