All research projects that involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples requires ethics review and approval before the project begins.
This provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who are involved in the research with assurance that their rights, culture and heritage are respected, that they understand the aims and methods of the research, and that they will share in the results of this work.
This is a requirement of the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research, which embodies the best standards of ethical research and human rights.
Submission deadlines
Note: Meeting and submission deadlines are subject to change.
Submissions are due by 11.59pm AEST on the closing date. Unfortunately, extensions are not possible.
The AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee is currently experiencing unprecedented high demand of applications for ethical reviews of research proposals. Please be advised that, regrettably, the review of your application may be delayed.
| Meeting no. | Meeting date | Submission deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 2021/1 | 5 February 2021 | 15 January 2021 |
| 2021/2 | 16 March 2021 | 23 February 2021 |
| 2021/3 | 27 April 2021 | 23 March 2021 |
| 2021/4 | 8 June 2021 | 4 May 2021 |
| 2021/5 | 23 July 2021 | 18 June 2021 |
| 2021/6 | 31 August 2021 | 27 July 2021 |
| 2021/7 | 12 October 2021 | 7 September 2021 |
| 2021/8 | 26 November 2021 | 30 October 2021 |
Out of session review
To request an out-of-session review, please provide a requesting letter with reasoning and justification to the Chair. The Chair will only allow out-of-session review under special circumstances. An additional fee applies for applications reviewed out of session.
Note: The Committee must reach quorum to undertake an out-of-session review.
How to apply for ethics approval
- Step 1: Read the following guidelines
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Step 2: Download the application form
You may like to adapt our standard Participant Information Sheet and Informed Consent Form.
Always ensure you are using the latest version of the application form (check the date and version number in the application form footers). Applications prepared with reference to GERAIS are no longer acceptable. Please prepare your application with reference to the AIATSIS Code of Ethics.
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Step 3: Submit your application for preliminary review
All applications must be submitted to the AIATSIS Ethics Secretariat for preliminary review. The Secretariat will assess whether your application is ready to progress to Research Ethics Committee review. In order to progress, your application must adequately address the Principles in the AIATSIS Code of Ethics.
If your application does not adequately address these Principles, the Secretariat will advise that your application needs further development and advise you to reapply at a later time.
Send your application and all supporting documents to the Secretariat via ethics@aiatsis.gov.au. Applications must be received by 11.59pm AEST on the closing date.
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Step 4: Submit your application for Committee review
Applications can only be reviewed by the Committee if they have been preliminarily reviewed by the Secretariat. Following preliminary review, the Secretariat will give you a deadline and instructions for submission of your final application.
Following final submission, you will receive a unique reference number.
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Step 5: Outcome
You will receive an outcome letter from the Committee two weeks after the meeting date.
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Step 6: Respond to Committee feedback
Your response to Committee feedback will be due four weeks after receipt of the Committee’s decision. If you do not address the Committee’s feedback within four weeks, your application will be considered withdrawn. Should you wish to reapply, you will be liable for an additional application fee
Note: Application fees are subject to change.
| Type of submission | Price (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Ethics application | $770.00 |
| Ethics application - student* | $275.00 |
| Resubmission | $385.00 |
| Resubmission - student* | $137.50 |
| Project variation | $385.00 |
| Project variation - student* | $137.50 |
| Out of session review | $1,815 |
* Student concession prices are subject to proof of enrolment and a statement that confirms the project is not funded by any organisation.
How to submit a project variation
Note: Expired ethics approvals cannot be extended. Carefully check your Approval letter for the expiry date of your ethics approval. If an extension is necessary, submit a variation well in advance of the expiry date.
Variations to approved applications must be submitted to the Chair for review and approval. Depending on the complexity of the variation it may be reviewed in session by the entire Committee.
Variations must include the following:
- Variation letter addressed to the Committee Chair.
- Revised ethics application form, with tracked changes.
- Relevant supporting documents.
Variations can be submitted via email to the Research Ethics Committee Secretariat, ethics@aiatsis.gov.au
Monitoring and reporting
Under the National Statement, it is mandatory for approved projects to submit annual reports. The report must detail the progress on research, maintenance and security of records, compliance with the approved protocols and compliance with any conditions of approval. The Director of Ethics and Research Leadership is responsible for reviewing annual reports, and will refer to the Committee, if necessary.
Reports can be submitted via email to the Research Ethics Committee Secretariat, ethics@aiatsis.gov.au