Submitting a low risk human ethics application

Applications may be submitted to HEAG-H at any time. All applications must be signed and approved by the head of school before submission to HEAG-H.

Access all application forms

There have been some changes in the requirements for low-risk ethics applications:

Please use the low risk application form (DOCX, 89.7KB) for all submissions to HEAG-H.
The 'Victorian Privacy Supplement' is now only required where the project involves a waiver of consent. Waiver projects should always go to DUHREC, so this supplement is no longer required for HEAG-H applications.
Applications required to be reviewed by another Australian Human Ethics Committee must be submitted to DUHREC on the previously approved application form. (DOCX, 60.4KB).
Application for exemption from ethics review must be submitted to DUHREC on the exemption from ethics review form (DOCX, 55.4KB).
There is a plain language statement and consent form designed for use in low risk projects.

Applicants who wish to submit an application through HEAG-H should include a low risk application form (DOCX, 89.7KB), a copy of the plain language statement and consent form (DOCX, 49.2KB), as well as any other relevant paperwork (such as copies of surveys, interviews, questions and approvals from external agencies).

Higher than low risk applications should be submitted to DUHREC on the Human Research Ethics Application (HREA).

Tips for writing your application

Include ALL details of the project in your application. For example do not just write 'interviews will be conducted' but also include details of where they will be conducted, who will conduct them and include a copy of the proposed interview format.
Use 'layman's terms' - a reviewer may not have the same knowledge of your field.
Attach all necessary documents. For example, questionnaires, letters of approval, recruitment flyers or emails etc.
Try to view your application from a reviewer's standpoint - have you adequately explained how you will protect confidentiality (e.g. online, storage), are there appropriate referrals in case of participant distress (e.g. Lifeline details on the PLS), are there adequate safety measures if the researcher is travelling to conduct interviews alone?
Ensure your application is fully signed.
If you have questions about completing the application contact us via telephone 0392517174 or email health-ethics@deakin.edu.au.

The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research provides ethical guidelines to researchers for the purpose of promoting ethically good human research. It is also a good resource for participants and reviewers.

Modification of HEAG-H approved projects (including extensions)

Annual/final report

Organisational consent form

If you are recruiting Deakin students for a research project, you will need to apply for permission from either the unit chair (if recruiting from individual units), course coordinator (if recruiting from course/s), head of school (if recruiting from one school), pro Vice Chancellor or Associate Dean of Research (if recruiting from two or more schools in the same faculty) or the Dean of Students (if recruiting from two or more faculties). Please download and complete the form (DOCX, 44.7KB) with your ethics application form.

Expedited review checklist information

Although researchers are likely to tick at least one or two of the boxes indicating a potential for higher than low risk, this does not necessarily mean that the application is ineligible for expedited review. It only means that the researcher is required to complete the special case assessment section, explaining how this potential will be managed or minimised to ensure that the project remains low risk.

Plain language statements and consent forms

Where do I submit my application?

If you have questions about completing your application we're here to help.

Call
(03) 9251717
Email
health-ethics@deakin.edu.au