Application Process
Human Ethics - Application Process Ethics Review Committee (Human Research)
Human Ethics - Application Process Faculty Ethics Review Committees
Externally Approved Application Process
Amendment to Approved Application Process
Human Ethics - Application Process Ethics Review Committee (Human Research)
The majority of applications are now processed via an expedited review process where applicants will receive feedback regarding the review of their application within 20 working days of submission. There are no closing dates, as the expedited review process operates between February 1st and November 30th, allowing applicants to submit applications anytime during this period.
NB: The expedited review process operates between February 1st and November 30th each year. Applications received after November 30th will not be processed until February in the next year.
If your application is considered to raise ethical concerns that requires in-depth discussion due to the subject matter, the population involved, and/or the proposed methodology, then your application may be deferred for review at a Committee meeting. The Committee meets once a month from February to November. Meeting dates are available on the Ethics Review Committee (Human Research) web page.
The process:
- You will need to submit your application in hard copy only.
- If you are a student, your hard copy must be signed by both yourself and your Supervisor. Applications that have not been signed by the Chief Investigator and a Supervisor (if applicable) will not be processed.
Submission of applications:
- Submit your completed, signed, hardcopy application to the Ethics Secretariat.
By mail or in person: Ethics Secretariat, Research Office, Level 3, Research HUB, Building C5C, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 - Please DO NOT USE STAPLES.
- You only need to submit the original application. NO COPIES ARE REQUIRED.
- Who submits your application?
You, the applicant, are responsible for submitting your own application, however, you are strongly encouraged to consult the relevant Research Ethics Advisor for your division/department before making your submission. - Your application will be processed once we have received the hardcopy of your application. Should you have any difficulty submitting your application in either format please contact ethics.secretariat@vc.mq.edu.au or call +61 2 9850 6848.
- Please ensure that you have provided the Ethics Secretariat with a correct and current email address as we will be corresponding with you primarily through email.
- If your application is deferred for review at a monthly Committee meeting you will be notified of this decision and advised which meeting the application will be considered at.
Human Ethics - Application Process Faculty Ethics Review Committees
Some applications from the Faculties can be deferred to the Faculty Ethics Review Committees for an expedited review process where applicants will receive feedback regarding the review of their application within 15 working days of submission. There are no closing dates as the expedited review process operates between February 1st and November 30th, allowing applicants to submit applications anytime during this period.
NB: The Faculty expedited review process operates between February 1st and November 30th each year. Applications received after November 30th will not be processed until February in the next year.
Currently only the Faculty of Human Sciences Ethics Review Committee is reviewing ethics applications.
Applications will be processed by the Ethics Secretariat initially. Suitable applications will be forwarded to the relevant Faculties for expedited review.
If your application is considered to raise ethical concerns that requires in-depth discussion due to the subject matter, the population involved, and/or the proposed methodology, then your application may be deferred for review at a Committee meeting. The Committee meets once a month from February to November. Meeting dates are available on the Ethics Review Committee (Human Research) web page.
Submission of applications:
- Submit your completed, signed, hardcopy application to the Ethics Secretariat.
By mail or in person: Ethics Secretariat, Research Office, Level 3, Research HUB, Building C5C, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 - Please DO NOT USE STAPLES.
- You only need to submit the original application. NO COPIES ARE REQUIRED.
- Who submits your application?
You, the applicant, are responsible for submitting your own application, however, you are strongly encouraged to consult the relevant Research Ethics Advisor for your division/department before making your submission. - Your application will be processed once we have received the hardcopy of your application. Should you have any difficulty submitting your application in either format please contact ethics.secretariat@vc.mq.edu.au or call +61 2 9850 6848.
- Please ensure that you have provided the Ethics Secretariat with a correct and current email address as we will be corresponding with you primarily through email.
- If your application is deferred for review at a monthly Committee meeting you will be notified of this decision and advised which meeting the application will be considered at.
Externally Approved Application Process
If you have submitted an ethics application to an external NH&MRC registered Human Research Ethics Committee (excluding the NSW Department of Education Approval) from the institutions cited below, you are NOT required to submit Macquarie University Ethics Review Committee (Human Research) ethics application.
- Another University
- NSW Health Human Research Ethics Committees or Lead Human Research Ethics Committees
- Cancer Institute NSW Clinical Research Ethics Committee
- Area Health Service Ethics Committees
- Hospital Human Research Ethics Committees
Submission of Externally Approved Applications
- Complete the External Human Research Ethics Committee Application Approval Form
- Attach the completed form with:
1. The external ethics application form (i.e. the application form submitted to one of the Human Research Ethics Committees above)
2. The final approval letter from the external Human Research Ethics Committee
3. All correspondence between you and the external Human Research Ethics Committee.
NB: The externally approved applications review process operates between February 1st and November 30th each year. Applications received after November 30th will not be processed until February in the next year.
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Amendment to Approved Application Process
If you intend to amend or modify your approved application you MUST complete a Request for Amendment Form. Amendments will not be processed unless they are submitted on this form.
The form can be submitted electronically or in hard copy. Electronic copies can be submitted via the submit button on the form or in hard copy to: Ethics Secretariat, Research Office, Level 3, Research HUB, Building C5C, Macquarie University, NSW 2109
NB: Amendments to applications will be processed by the Ethics Secretariat throughout the year. Applicants will receive feedback regarding their amendment request within 5-7 working days.
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Assistance
Should you require assistance completing the application form please refer to the Guidelines for Application Form, National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, consult a Research Ethics Advisor, or contact the Ethics Secretariat on +61 2 9850 6848 or email: ethics.secretariat@vc.mq.edu.au.