Low risk submission process
Low risk research projects are reviewed by the low risk ethics committee that meets fortnightly. Applications will be assigned to the next available meeting and this means you can submit low risk applications for review at any time.
To determine if your project is classified as low risk please complete MCC DERP. This will enable you to classify your research in accordance with local, state and national requirements. All low risk applications must be submitted using a Human Research Ethics Application Form (HREA) via ERM and researchers must complete all required sections on MCC DERP. You will also need to fill out a pre submission form.
The application process for low risk applications is the same as for all greater-than-low risk research. Thus please see the relevant page below for the submission requirements:
FAQs
How can I confirm if my study is classified as low risk?
To determine if your project is classified as low risk please complete MCC DERP. This will enable you to instantly classify your research in accordance with local, state and national requirements. If you have any questions, please call REG on 03 9345 5044.
Does the full HREC review low risk studies?
Low risk applications are eligible for expedited review by the low risk committee or HREC Chair or other delegate. As such, low risk projects are not generally reviewed at meetings of the HREC unless this is recommended following review. Instead, a list of all approved LNR projects is
submitted to the full HREC each month for ratification.
What are the review and approval timelines for low risk Review?
Following the submission of a complete application to REG for expedited review, the time to approval is two to four (2-4) weeks dependent upon whether additional information or changes are requested OR if an independent scientific review is required. To reduce this time,
please respond promptly to any queries received.
What form do I complete on ERM?
You need to complete the HREA for a low risk application.
Please do not complete the LNR Vic form. Our office does not accept these, and for this reason the RCH HREC is not listed on the form.
What documents do I submit through ERM?
ERM must be used to complete and submit the Human Research Ethics Application Form (HREA) and for multi-site applications, a Site Specific Assessment Form (SSA). All study documents need to be uploaded through the ERM portal. The review of the application will not be start if the application is not complete.