Our human research ethics committee (HREC) reviews proposed research projects in our hospital and health service.
When you apply for ethics approval, we’ll assess your project using the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
You'll need to be able to show that:
We only review applications for research being done at West Moreton Health. If your research is off site, or in more than one place, another HREC will need to approve it. You can find a full list of HRECs who can approve multi-centre research on the NHMRC website. Health Translation Queensland also has a list of submission dates for Queensland HRECs.
You need to apply for ethics approval for lower risk and higher risk research.
Projects such as clinical audits, quality assurance activities and case studies may not need an ethics review. You'll need to apply for an exemption from ethics review if you want to publish this type of research outside of West Moreton Health. Only people who work for us can apply for an exemption from ethics review.
To apply for an exemption from ethics review, fill in the exemption application form (staff only) and submit it using the Ethical Review Manager (ERM). Our research approvals page for staff has more information and the forms you need.
Before you can apply for an ethics review, you must create your research protocol.
Use our research protocol template [DOCX 954.41 KB] to help you prepare this. You can change or delete any sections you don’t need for your project.
There are 2 types of research project:
Include your project's risk rating in your online application. If you’re not sure, you can talk to our team or read the NHMRC guidelines.
Our HREC will review your application and decide the final level of risk for your project.
You need to upload supporting documents when you apply for an ethics review. This will depend on your study, but might include:
You must use the ERM to submit your human research ethics application (HREA). Include your research protocol and all supporting documents, and select the level of risk at the end of the form. You can read the help guides on the ERM website or contact us for more help.
We’ll review your application and send you an email to let you know the outcome.
You can submit a lower risk research application or apply for an exemption at any time. We don't review these at scheduled HREC meetings.
Our HREC meets 8 times a year to review higher risk applications. You must submit your forms and supporting documents by 12 noon on the application closing date for each meeting.
Application closing date | Meeting date |
|---|---|
Monday 11 November 2024, 12 noon | Tuesday 26 November 2024 |
Monday 27 January 2025, 12 noon | Tuesday 11 February 2025 |
Monday 10 March 2025, 12 noon | Tuesday 25 March 2025 |
If you miss the deadline, another HREC can review your application. You can check the Queensland HREC meeting calendar to find out when their meetings are.
You may need to pay an administration fee [PDF 341.86 KB] when you apply. Make sure you include any fees as part of your research budget.
After you apply for an ethics review, you need to create an SSA application form to apply for governance authorisation. You can only begin your study once you have authorisation.
You need to submit a progress report [DOCX 984.7 KB] by 30 April each year to keep your ethics approval. You also need to submit a final report at the end of your project. You can upload these using the forms in the ERM.
If something in your project changes, including any study documents, you'll need to apply to for approval using the ERM. You'll need to give the research governance officer at each site a copy of any new approvals.
You must also comply with the Queensland Government guidelines for using confidential information in research.
Contact us if you have any questions about the ethics review process by either:
By post:
West Moreton Health HREC
Ipswich Hospital
PO Box 73
Ipswich Qld 4305