Do I need to provide additional information about the research project when I submit the HREA?
Yes, a study protocol/ project description must be included. This is because the HREA form does not include a section to describe the study procedures. Depending on the research, you still may need to provide supplementary forms. You will still need to provide all participant-facing documents (e.g. participant information sheets, recruitment material) and data collection materials (e.g. interview guides, data dictionary).
If I currently have a submission under review, do I need to fill in a HREA form?
No. Your submission will continue to be reviewed based on the information you provided in the previous application form. From 1 March 2025 only new submissions that require ethical review using the HREA will be accepted.
Will this process be quicker for applicants to complete?
The HREA form includes form-logic which dynamically poses questions based on the information you provide. These questions specifically address questions about ethical and legislation aspects of your research. So, while you will need to answer more questions upfront in the application process, this will offset the requirement to answer these later after you have submitted your application. The aim is for the overall time required for the process to be reduced.
Can I use the same completed HREA form for multiple ethics committees?
Most ethical review bodies (i.e. other ethics committees) accept the HREA, so you should be able to use a single application form where you need review from multiple ethics committees. We recommend you confirm this with the relevant review bodies.
I’ve never written a study protocol/project description, what support is available?
We are developing a template that you are welcome to adapt for your research. This will be available in January 2025.
I’m planning on submitting an application in February 2025, can I use the old form?
During the transition period (1 January to 28 February 2025), we encourage people to use the HREA however we will accept submissions that use the retired form. From 1 March 2025, we will only accept submissions that require ethical review that use the HREA form .
My research is likely to be exempt from ethical review, do I need to use the HREA?
No, research that is seeking confirmation of exemption of ethical review does not need to use the HREA. These submissions can continue to use the dedicated submission form for exempt research (www.cancervic.org.au/research/governance/research-ethics/research-ethics-submission-forms).
Is the HREA used for all review pathways?
No, the HREA is mandatory for all new submissions that require review by the ethics committee. Figure 1 shows the three review pathways, who reviews submissions and what form is required for each pathway.
Figure 1 Schematic of the three review pathways used by Cancer Council and the respective review body and required submission form
