Submit an Ethics application
Please note all applications must be submitted via the VACCHO Ethics Application portal.
Follow the steps below to get started.
1. Check your eligibility
You are eligible to apply if your research impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
If you are unsure, contact the VACCHO HREC Secretariat at ethics@vaccho.org.au to discuss your eligibility.
If your research does not impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, you can apply through any other Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
In this first phase of operations, VACCHO HREC will not review clinical trials. This may change in future once the Committee develops the skills required to review such applications.
2. Check HREC meeting dates
Before you begin:
- Review upcoming HREC meeting dates
- Choose the meeting you would like your application considered at
| Agenda Closing Date | Meeting Date |
| 28 January 2026 | 25 February 2026 |
| 25 February 2026 | 25 March 2026 |
| 25 March 2026 | 22 April 2026 |
| 22 April 2026 | 20 May 2026 |
| 20 May 2026 | 17 June 2026 |
| 17 June 2026 | 15 July 2026 |
| 15 July 2026 | 12 August 2026 |
| 12 August 2026 | 9 September 2026 |
| 9 September 2026 | 7 October 2026 |
| 7 October 2026 | 4 November 2026 |
*Please note that meeting and submission due dates may change.
3. Register for the Ethics portal
VACCHO HREC uses the ethics application portal for all research ethics applications and post-approval management of research projects.
Create an account to begin your application.
4. Start your application
Once logged in to the portal:
- Click “New Application”
- Complete the application form
5. Supporting documents
Your submission must include all relevant documentation.
This may include:
- Participant Information Sheets
- Consent forms
- Surveys or questionnaires
- Interview guides
- Advertising materials
- Approval letters from other HRECs
- Research agreements or letters of support
6. Preliminary review
After submission, the VACCHO HREC Secretariat will conduct a preliminary review to ensure your application is complete.
If information is missing, you will be contacted to provide further details before the application can proceed to a full ethics committee meeting.
7. Applications outcome
After the Committee reviews your application, you will receive an outcome via email.
The Committee may:
- Grant ethics approval
- Grant approval with conditions
- Request further information
- Reject the application
8. Respond to the HREC’s feedback
If approval is granted with conditions, or further information is requested:
- You have 30 days to respond
- If you do not respond within 30 days, your application may be dismissed
- You may be required to submit a new application
9. After ethics approval
Once full ethics approval is granted:
- Your application becomes an approved research project
- You will be required to notify VACCHO HREC of any project changes (e.g. timelines, research team, methodology)
You will be required to submit:
- An annual progress report
- A final report at project completion
Submit an ethics application
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of applications does VACCHO HREC accept?
VACCHO HREC will accept and review applications that impact the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria. However, it is anticipated that the HREC will not have the capacity to review all health research, and as such, the following categories were devised to determine the most appropriate review pathway:
- Minimal risk applications
Research in this category will not be accepted by the HREC. Other low risk ethics panels or alternative HRECs may review such research. - Low and greater than low-risk (excludes clinical trials and/or drug and device research)
Research in this category undergoes scientific and ethical review by HREC members. Investigators must submit their applications by the specified closing dates. - Greater than low-risk applications (covering all clinical trials and/or drug and device research impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
Research in this category will not be accepted in the initial phase of operations of the Committee. This may be added later depending on HREC capacity and capability.
Please note, these categories are just a guide, and it is the discretion of the HREC Co-Chairs whether an application requires review from VACCHO HREC.
Do I still need ethical approval from VACCHO HREC if I’ve already gotten ethical approval from a non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethics committee?
Yes, if you are conducting any research that requires the participation of or that impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, you are required to seek ethical approval from VACCHO HREC regardless of the fact that you have already sought ethical approval from another non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HREC.
Does VACCHO HREC accept interstate applications or applications for national research projects?
Yes, we expect organisations who have endorsed the Accord to submit all research that impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria to VACCHO HREC for review.
The same applies to national (interstate) applications.