Types of applications

New Project

  • Use when creating a new human research ethics application.
  • Applications are prepared and submitted in the University's Research Information Management System (RIMS).
  • When in RIMS, complete the eForm called 'Initial: New Project'.
  • The information you enter will help determine the level of review required.
  • In addition to completing the eForm, you will also need to upload supporting documents to your application in RIMS, such as participant information statements and consent forms, etc.

New Project - More than low risk

  • If your application is deemed to be 'more than low risk' (either through your direct indication or as determined by the information you enter into RIMS) your 'Initial: New Project' eForm will automatically advise you to complete a Human Research Ethics Application (HREA) form and submit it as a supporting document when lodging your application in the RIMS.
  • The HREA form has been developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council to provide consistency of information required on human research ethics applications that are more than low risk.
  • You will also need to prepare a Project Description document, which is a partner document to the HREA form.
  • Your completed HREA form and Project Description document need to be uploaded as supporting documents when lodging your full application in RIMS.
  • The HREA Resources page provides advice on how to create an account to access HREA resources, how to complete the application form, etc. For technical assistance on the HREA system, contact HREA Help on

Registration of ethics approval from another institution

  • Use when submitting an ethics approval issued by an external Australian-based Human Research Ethics Committee, such as one from a Local Health District or the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW.
  • You can lodge the external approval in RIMS.
  • For more details, refer to the 'Research with external ethics approval' page.
  • Research projects that involve University of Newcastle staff or students as participants may need to undergo further ethical review by the University. Please contact human-ethics@newcastle.edu.au for advice on application processes in these circumstances.

Variation request

  • Use when requesting changes to an approved ethics application.
  • You can lodge a variation application by logging into RIMS, opening an existing protocol and completing a variation submission.
  • For more information, visit the 'Applying for a variation' page.

Course-related ethics approval

  • Use when students enrolled in a course are expected to conduct the same (or similar) research project. This is limited to students undertaking minor research projects during teaching placements, clinical placements or other types of professional experience.
  • To lodge an application, course coordinators should use the Course-Related Ethics Approval e-form available in RIMS.
  • If the application is approved, the course coordinator will need to oversee additional steps with the students, which are outlined here.