HDR ethics resources
We know that preparing, submitting, and managing your Research Ethics application can feel challenging — especially if you're new to ECU and unsure where to begin. The good news is that there's a wide range of helpful resources available to support you every step of the way. While navigating web pages can sometimes be tricky, we've made it easier by bringing together all the essential tools and guidance on this page. We also invite you to explore the other ethics web pages to gain a deeper understanding of ECU’s commitment to conducting ethical research.
Plan ahead
Preparing a good research ethics application and gaining approval will take time. So plan ahead as you will want to meet the timeline requirements for Milestone 3 of your candidature. To help you plan, here are the ECU HREC and AEC Committee meeting dates and the dates that your fully complete application must be submitted by in REMS to be considered at an upcoming ethics committee meeting. If your research is considered lower risk, it may be reviewed at the School level (see School Low Risk Subcommittees).
Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
HREC meeting dates and when your ethics application must be submitted ahead of a meeting.
| Close of Agenda | Meeting Date |
|---|---|
| 18 September 2026 | 2 October 2026 |
| 23 October 2026 | 6 November 2026 |
| 20 November 2026 | 4 December 2026 |
| 22 January 2027 | 5 February 2027 |
| 19 February 2027 | 5 March 2027 |
| 19 March 2027 | 2 April 2027 |
| 23 April 2027 | 7 May 2027 |
| 21 May 2027 | 4 June 2027 |
| 18 June 2027 | 2 July 2027 |
| 23 July 2027 | 6 August 2027 |
| 20 August 2027 | 3 September 2027 |
| 17 September 2027 | 1 October 2027 |
| 22 October 2027 | 5 November 2027 |
| 19 November 2027 | 3 December 2027 |
Download the 2026 Human Research Ethics Meeting Schedule
Download the 2027 Human Research Ethics Meeting Schedule
Animal Ethics Committee (AEC)
AEC meeting dates and when your ethics application must be submitted ahead of a meeting.
| Close of Agenda | Meeting Date |
|---|---|
| 25 September 2026 | 9 October 2026 |
| 30 October 2026 | 13 November 2026 |
| 27 November 2026 | 11 December 2026 |
| 5 February 2027 | 12 February 2027 |
| 5 March 2027 | 12 March 2027 |
| 2 April 2027 | 9 April 2027 |
| 7 May 2027 | 14 May 2027 |
| 4 June 2027 | 11 June 2027 |
| 2 July 2027 | 9 July 2027 |
| 6 August 2027 | 13 August 2027 |
| 3 September 2027 | 10 September 2027 |
| 1 October 2027 | 8 October 2027 |
| 5 November 2027 | 12 November 2027 |
| 3 December 2027 | 10 December 2027 |
Download the 2026 Animal Ethics Meeting Schedule
Download the 2027 Animal Ethics Meeting Schedule
All human research conducted at ECU is governed by the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025).
Consulting the National Statement when preparing your application is helpful when answering the questions in your ethics application in REMS, the Research Ethics Management System. The questions in your application refer to specific parts of the National Statement.
All animal research conducted at ECU is governed by Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes | NHMRC (the Code) which is legislated through the Animal Welfare Act (2002). Knowledge of the Code is essential to complete your animal ethics application through the Research Ethics Management System (REMS).