For research conducted by or involving Defence personnel (or their data), researchers are required to obtain evidence of Defence organisational support and where appropriate, in-principle command approval prior to submitting an ethics application. 

Note: 

  • The Departments of Defence and Veterans' Affairs (DDVA) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) does not assist with obtaining organisational support or command approval.
  • The DDVA HREC will not consider applications that have not obtained the relevant organisational and command approvals.

Further detail on the requirements for organisational support and command approval is available in:

Command approval fact sheet (PDF, 92.9 KB)

Organisational support fact sheet (PDF, 141.62 KB)

DDVA HREC Standard Operating Procedures (PDF, 413.36 KB)

Human and Animal Research Manual (PDF, 450.89 KB)

Expedited Ethical Review

Lower risk research is defined as research in which the only foreseeable risk is one of discomfort, with no risk of harm. Expedited review allows for timely consideration of such applications, while ensuring that appropriate ethical standards are maintained.

Examples of research/activities that may be suitable for expedited review include:

  • Studies involving surveys, questionnaires, or interviews on non-sensitive topics, where participants are unlikely to experience distress.
  • Research using non-identifiable or de-identified data, or identifiable data where privacy risks are minimal and well-managed.
  • Secondary analysis of existing data or records, provided appropriate consent and governance arrangements are in place.
  • Evaluation or quality assurance activities that involve minimal disruption or burden to participants.

Applications will be assessed to confirm that they meet the criteria for low risk and are appropriate for expedited review. Where a project raises more complex ethical issues, involves sensitive subject matter, or presents the potential for harm beyond discomfort, it may be referred for full HREC review.

Full Ethical Review

Full ethical review is generally required where proposed research is greater than low or negligible risk to participants, or where ethical considerations are complex and cannot be adequately addressed through expedited pathways.

This typically includes, but is not limited to:

  • Research involving individuals or groups in certain circumstances, including veterans, current serving Defence members, or their families where there may be issues of dependency, power imbalance, trauma, or diminished capacity.
  • Studies that may involve psychological, emotional, or social harm, particularly where sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, or life experiences are explored.
  • Research involving interventions, experimental treatments, or changes to standard care or service delivery, including pilot programs and controlled trials.
  • Projects involving identifiable or potentially identifiable personal or health information, especially where privacy risks are heightened or data linkage is proposed.
  • Activities requiring waivers of consent, or where obtaining informed consent presents ethical complexity.
  • Research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly where cultural considerations, community engagement, and governance are integral.
  • Projects that may entail deception, concealment, or incomplete disclosure, or where participants may not fully understand the nature of their involvement.
  • Any study where there is uncertainty about the level of risk, and independent ethical scrutiny is warranted.

Researchers are expected to carefully assess the level of risk in their project against the definitions provided in the National Statement and by completing the DDVA HREC Risk Assessment Matrix to accompany their DDVA HREC Application Form. Researchers are encouraged to consult early with the DDVA HREC Secretariat if unsure about the appropriate review pathway.

Submission instructions

A completed Human Research Ethics Application Form and any relevant supporting documentation/approvals are to be sent via email to ddva.hrec@defence.gov.au.

Note: The DDVA HREC does not grant retrospective ethics approval. Ensure that the protocol timeline allows enough time for the ethical approval process.

Resources

DDVA HREC application form (DOCX, 99.75 KB)

Participant information sheet and consent form template (DOCX, 107.8 KB)

DDVA HREC participant information sheet and consent form user guide (PDF, 313.85 KB)

DDVA HREC participant withdrawal template (DOCX, 50.66 KB)

DDVA HREC risk assessment guide (DOCX, 46.49 KB)

DDVA HREC quality assurance and evaluation activity checklist (DOCX, 40.85 KB)

DVA Ethics quality assurance and evaluation activity checklist (DOCX, 25.46 KB)