Online application and notification procedures

1. Researchers/teachers are required to assess the ethical issues of their projects in discussion with colleagues, preferably independent of the project, and with reference to appropriate ethical and professional codes.

2. Supervisors should ensure that research students are instructed in the Code and that they undertake an ethical analysis of their project, which is then discussed with the supervisor.

The online application process is in two parts and consists of Part 1) a risk assessment; and Part 2) a full application (for review by an ethics committee).  The risk assessment questions must be completed and submitted.  If the research is deemed to be low risk, the process is complete after Part 1.  A confirmation email will be sent.

If, after risk assessment, the research requires review by a human ethics committee, a full application must be completed.  The researcher will be prompted to complete further questions and upload public documentation before online submission is completed (refer to the "Online ethics applicant user guide" in Step 4).

During the initial risk assessment researchers will be asked if approval is required by a Health and Disability Ethics Committee (HDEC).  Use the documents below to determine whether your research requires review by an HDEC.  If the research does require review by an HDEC, for all applications you will need to nominate MUHEC as a sponsor in section A.5 of the HDEC application form.  Refer to the MUHEC Sponsor Authorisation Protocol for further information.

Standard operating procedures for HDECs (579 KB)

HDEC scope of review form (222 KB)

Sponsor authorisation protocol 2018.pdf (517 KB)

Low Risk Notifications
If the research is deemed to be low risk, automatic email notification is provided on submission of the risk assessment questions.  Researchers can also download a confirmation letter (instructions are provided in the email).

Full Applications
Academic/Professional staff based at the Albany Campus; and students whose Chief Supervisor is located at the Albany Campus will primarily have their applications allocated to MUHEC: Northern, unless review by a committee with medical expertise is required.

Academic/Professional staff based at either the Manawatu or Wellington Campus; and students whose Chief Supervisor is located at either the Palmerston North or Wellington campus will primarily have their applications allocated to either MUHEC: Southern A or MUHEC: Southern B.

Please note that the online submission process allows for some balancing of workflows on a monthly basis.  In order to ensure researchers have their applications reviewed in a timely manner, a Research Ethics Office team member may contact you to discuss assigning your application to the next available committee meeting regardless of location.   

If your application requires review by a committee with medical expertise (and does not require review by a Health & Disability Ethics Committee) your application will be allocated to MUHEC: Southern A.

Contact Information:

Patsy Broad
DDI 06 951 6840 (Internal ext 83840)

INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS IN RIMS - SESSIONS AVAILABLE:

To assist researchers with the submission of human ethics applications in RIMS

WHERE: Research Ethics Office, Quad A Building, Level 2 - Room 2.59, Albany Campus
TIMES: 10.00am - 12.00 noon
DATES: 1 February, 1 March, 1 April, 3 May, 1 June, 1 July, 2 August, 1 September, 1 October, 1 November, 1 December

Contact Hannah Foreman (0800 MASSEY (0800 627 739) ext 43215) for further details or to book a 30 minute session

Check application deadlines.