FAQs

All Human Ethics applications are managed in IRMA, the research management system used by Southern Cross University to manage research activities and outputs. The URL to access IRMA is https://irma.scu.edu.au 

See the Human Ethics Knowledge Base (online manual): at How to start a new application NG - Research (scu.edu.au)

All investigators named on the application will receive automated email from research.irma advising that their application has been assigned to be reviewed.

See the Human Ethics Knowledge Base (online manual): at Annual Reports, Change of Protocol, Adverse Events/Ethics Breaches NG - Research (scu.edu.au) 

See ‘Add Investigators NG’ in the online manual Add Investigators NG - Research (scu.edu.au)

For access to essential templates and guides, please visit our Resources page. This page contains valuable materials designed to support your research activities and ensure compliance with our standards.

There are several options available: transfer of ethics approval from SCU to the new institution; appoint a new Chief Investigator at SCU to take over as the Chief Investigator; or, if the project is near completion, submit a final report and close the project before your departure. 
 
For more specific advice, please contact the Ethics Office at SCU or your new university. 

Contact the team by emailing human.ethics@scu.edu.au 

An HDR student is eligible to apply for ethics approval for their research project. However, the Principal Supervisor must review, sign off, and approve the submission as the Chief Investigator.

Low risk research involves only discomfort and while high risk research involves greater than discomfort.

Consult Chapter 2.1 and Chapter 5.1.10-5.1.4 of the National Statement and engage with the Ethics Office for advice on risk level and ethical assessment pathway.

Low risk research is reviewed by a Low Risk Committee, and high risk research is reviewed by the HREC.

Check the Low Risk Committee or HREC meeting dates for application submission closing deadlines.

It can take from two weeks to several months, depending on the risk level and complexity of the research. Typically, the Low Risk Committee reviews applications within 10 working days, and the Human Research Ethics Committee reviews applications within 4-6 weeks. However, these time frames may vary depending on the volume of applications, the availability of reviewers, and the need for clarifications or revisions. 

Report it to the Ethics Office through IRMA as soon as possible. 

Violations of the approved ethics protocol impacting the acceptability of your research. Report all breaches promptly via IRMA.

See the 'What to include' in the Applications and Approvals section of our website

Contact the Office of Research Integrity and Ethics for advice on ethical review or conduct complaints. You can find the contact details of the Director of Research Integrity and Ethics, the Manager of Research Ethics, and the Ethics Officers here