About the ethics review process

Human research ethics committees (HRECs) do ethical reviews. When you apply for ethics approval, a HREC will assess your project against the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines.

You'll need to be able to show that:

  • your research has scientific merit
  • any benefits outweigh any associated risks
  • the people who’ll work on your project are properly qualified
  • you’ll treat the participants with respect, especially vulnerable groups
  • you’ve considered the ethical issues associated with the methodology you'll use.

Before you begin

We recommend you contact our team before you apply for ethics approval. They can talk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

How to apply for ethics approval

Step 1: Get in touch with a HREC

We don't have our own HREC at Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

You can apply for ethics review and approval from any NHMRC certified HREC.  There’s a list on the National Health and Medical Research Council website.

There may be costs involved. You'll need to check with the HREC.

Low-risk projects such as clinical audits or quality assurance activities may not need full ethics review, or they may be exempt. If you aren't sure which pathway is right for your project, contact our research governance officer for advice.

Step 2: Prepare your research protocol

Design your research protocol first. Your HREC may have a template that you can use as a guide.

Your research protocol should include:

  • the project background, goals, and expected results
  • the project design, methods, and activities
  • evidence from other research and preliminary investigations
  • how you'll use and manage data
  • timelines and how you'll handle potential problems
  • your funding budget.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

You’ll need to submit documents with your application. Your HREC may have a checklist to help you keep track of the documents you need for your application.

Required documents

  1. Cover letter
  2. Human research ethics application (HREA) form generated in Ethical Review Manager (ERM)
  3. Research protocol
  4. CV for each project team member

Supporting documents

The supporting documents you need will depend on your project, but might include:

  • participant information and consent forms
  • Public Health Act application form
  • interview schedules
  • surveys
  • data collection forms
  • advertisements
  • product information and investigator brochures
  • any other documents that you'll give to participants.

If your research involves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, you’ll also need to provide letters of support and evidence of community consultation.

Read more about ethical guidelines for research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the National Health and Medical Research Council website.

Step 4: Submit your application

Apply through the ERM.

Learn more about how to use the ERM on the Queensland Health website.

Apply for a site specific assessment (SSA)

After you apply for an ethics review in the ERM, you can submit your SSA application form and apply for governance authorisation.

Contact us

If you have any questions about ethical reviews email miri-rsu@health.qld.gov.au.

Last updated: March 2025

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