Recognition of external ethics approval
Do you have ethics approval from a Non-University of Sydney Ethics Committee?
Where possible, Sydney University Ethics Committee will endeavour to minimise duplication of ethical review.
Research which does not involve a student of the University as a researcher and is not conducted on University grounds does not require approval from Sydney University Ethics Committee if approved by a relevant Human Research Ethics Committee.
There are circumstances where the University of Sydney will be required to recognise ethics approvals provided by other Human Ethics Research Committees.
Which applications require recognition?
Research (approved by another ethics committee) which involves a Sydney University student as a researcher or is conducted on University grounds requires recognition by the University of Sydney HREC.
This includes research where one or more phases of the study are conducted on University grounds. University of Sydney grounds include campuses and faculties that are part of the University and the research centres and institutes belonging to the University. Clinical trials conducted on Sydney University grounds must also complete a site specific application form.
Which external ethics committee findings can be recognised by the University HREC?
NHMRC -accredited Human Research Ethics Committees
The University HREC can recognise a research project which has been approved by another NHMRC accredited Human Research Ethics Committee. An NHMRC accredited HREC will state its NMHRC accreditation in its approval letter.
Federal Wide Assurance
The University is a member of the FWA (Federal Wide Assurance) and may be asked to recognise the findings of an ethics committee from another University which is also a member of the FWA (usually an overseas University, which does not have NHMRC accreditation). In this case a full application for ethics approval is required but the application may be treated as low risk and assessed by the University HREC Executive. Particular attention should be paid to informed consent and cultural differences between the countries involved.
Non-accredited committees
Research which has been approved by an ethics committee which is not NHMRC accredited and is not a member of the FWA requires a full application to the Sydney University HREC.
Recognition review process
One hard copy and one soft copy of the following documents are required for review:
- A cover letter from the Chief/Principal Investigator stating the reason/s for the recognition request. In some instances the student will be named as the Chief Investigator on the original ethics application approved by the external HREC. In this instance the student’s supervisor must be named on the cover letter. Where a student is being added to a protocol this must be approved by the external HREC prior to submitting the protocol for recognition.
- A signed copy of the Ethics application, as submitted to the original approving HREC.
- A copy of that approving HREC’s final approval letter.
- Copies of the Participant Information Statement/s, Consent Form/s and other study tools such as surveys, questions etc. as approved by that HREC.
- Copies of relevant correspondence should the original HREC have approved any modification/amendment, as well as any approved Annual/Progress Reports relating to the study if applicable.
Applications are reviewed electronically therefore it is important that the pdf is provided in logical reading order. Either provide one combined pdf or provide the documents in numbered order.
Please the electronic copy and post the paper copy to:
Research Integrity
Level 6
Jane Foss Russell Building G02
University of Sydney NSW 2006
If you require more information or clarification please contact:.
Applications for recognition will be reviewed at the Executive Meeting. Meeting dates are available here:
Meeting dates