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.
| Meeting no. | Meeting date | Submission deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 2020/8 | 1 December 2020 | 10 November 2020 |
| 2021/1 | 5 February 2021 | 15 January 2021 |
| 2021/2 | 16 March 2021 | 23 February 2021 |
| 2021/3 | 27 April 2021 | 6 April 2021 |
| 2021/4 | 8 June 2021 | 11 May 2021 |
| 2021/5 | 23 July 2021 | 2 July 2021 |
| 2021/6 | 31 August 2021 | 10 August 2021 |
| 2021/7 | 12 October 2021 | 21 September 2021 |
| 2021/8 | 26 November 2021 | 5 November 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.
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Step 3: Submit a draft application
It is highly recommended that a draft version is submitted to the REC secretariat one to two weeks prior to the submission closing date.
The secretariat will conduct a preliminary review, which will include suggestions to improve the quality of the application and checking that all relevant information has been provided.
This can save considerable turnaround time in the application process.
All attachments must be clearly labelled and numbered, e.g., “Attachment A: PIS and ICF” and referred to as such in the application form.
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Step 4: Submit the application
Completed applications (including all attachments) must be submitted by 5pm on the submission deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applications can be submitted via:
- Email to the Research Ethics Committee Secretariat, ethics@aiatsis.gov.au or
- Post to the Research Ethics Committee Secretariat, PO Box 553, Canberra ACT 2601
A confirmation email with a unique reference number will be sent upon receipt. If a confirmation email is not received, please contact ethics@aiatsis.gov.au.
Note:
- The size limitation for email is 10MB
- Application forms and attachments must be submitted in PDF format
- All attachments must be clearly labelled and numbered
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Step 5: Outcome
Notification of the Committee’s decision will be sent via email within 10 working days after the meeting.
| 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
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 Executive Director of Research and Education 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