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.

Complete a Human Ethics Application via IRMA. When asked if University of Sydney is the responsible HREC, answer 'No'. Complete the remaining questions.

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.