Research Submissions

Researchers working within the National High Performance Sports System (NHPSS), and conducting research that involves human participants, are invited to submit research proposals to the AIS for review and ethics approval.

Two AIS committees are positioned to verify that research in the NHPSS fulfils the guidelines set by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC, opens in a new tab).

AIS Research Submission Process

The AIS research submission process below outlines the order of engagement between the researcher and the two AIS committees.

Researchers are invited to engage with the RRC as early as possible to initiate the research submission process.

Stage 1 - RRC Review

Submission for RRC Review

Stage 1.1

For research requiring ethics approval, researchers should submit for RRC review as early as possible.

Please remember to:

• Submit no later than 4 weeks before the next upcoming EC meeting if you require ethics review at the next meeting.
• Submit a fully completed EC submission form.
• Submit your EC submission form as a Microsoft Word Document.
• Attach all supporting documents in PDF format.
• Check for an email from the RRC Secretariat confirming that your application was received.

Submit your completed EC submission form to researchreview@ausport.gov.au

Researcher submits EC submission form and RRC review form

RRC Review

Stage 1.2

The RRC will review the EC submission form against the review criteria set out by the RRC.

• Specific feedback will be provided via electronic comments on the submission form, using Microsoft Word.
  • Please ensure your Microsoft Word Document allows electronic commenting.

RRC reviews and comments on EC submission form

RRC Feedback

Stage 1.3

The RRC will provide feedback on the submission.

• Specific feedback may be provided on the EC submission form using Microsoft Word commenting.
• General feedback and comments are provided on the RRC review form.

RRC comments on the submission

Return to Applicant

Stage 1.4

The EC submission form and RRC review form are returned to the researcher with comments and feedback.

• The RRC aims to return feedback to the applicant within 1 week of receiving the application.
• The RRC may contact the researcher to clarify points of review.

For questions regarding RRC feedback, please contact researchreview@ausport.gov.au

RRC returns both forms to the researcher

Stage 2 - Adjustment (If required)

Adjust (If required)

Stage 2.1

If required, the researcher makes the recommended changes to their EC submission form and/or rebuts the RRC comments.

For comments made on the EC submission form using Microsoft Word:

• The researcher can make a suggested change and mark the corresponding RRC comment as “resolved” but must not delete the comment.
• The researcher may rebut an RRC comment by replying to the comment.

For comments made in Section 2 of the RRC review form:

• The researcher can make a suggested change to their EC submission form, and use Section 3 of the review form to indicate which comment has been addressed.
• The researcher may use Section 3 to rebut an RRC comment made in Section 2 of the review form.

Researcher responds to RRC review comments

Resubmission to the RRC

Stage 2.2

After making any necessary adjustments, the researcher resubmits their revised EC submission form and RRC review form to the RRC for secondary review.

Submissions should be made to researchreview@ausport.gov.au

Researcher submits revised forms

RRC Review (Secondary)

Stage 2.3

The RRC will conduct a review of the revised EC submission form and RRC review form.

• The RRC may contact the researcher to clarify points of review.
• The RRC may delete Microsoft Word comments that have been satisfactorily resolved or rebutted.
• The final state of the EC submission form may include some comments that the RRC wishes the EC to view.
  • Note: the researcher must not delete any comments or replies.

If the submission is satisfactory, the RRC Chair will sign the RRC review form.

RRC conducts secondary review of submission

RRC Review Outcome Advice

Stage 2.4

The EC submission form and RRC review form are returned to the researcher.

The researcher is advised of one of the following outcomes:

• The EC submission form is satisfactory
  • The EC submission form may be submitted to the EC in its final state (inclusive of any comments not deleted by the RRC).
  • The RRC will provide the signed RRC review form alongside the final version of the EC submission form.
• The EC submission form is not satisfactory
  • The RRC will advise the researcher to repeat Stage 1 or 2 of the research submission process.

The researcher is advised of the review outcome

Stage 3 - EC Review

Submission for Ethics Review

Stage 3.1

The researcher submits their EC submission form and RRC review form to the Ethics Committee.

Submissions not accompanied by a signed RRC review form will not be considered.

• Stage 3.1 must be completed no later than 2 weeks prior to the next upcoming EC meeting.
• Forms must be submitted to the EC in their final state, as returned by the RRC.
  • The EC submission form must be a Microsoft Word Document.
  • The signed RRC review form may be a PDF or Microsoft Word Document.
  • All supporting documentation may be in PDF format.

EC submissions can be made to ethics@ausport.gov.au

Researcher submits EC submission form and signed RRC review form to EC

Ethics Review - EC Members

Stage 3.2

The EC members will conduct an ethics review of the submission ahead of a group review at the next scheduled EC meeting.

• Further information may be requested from the researcher during Stage 3.2
• Comments by EC members will be made electronically on the EC submission form using Microsoft Word.

EC members review the EC submission form

Ethics Review - EC Meeting

Stage 3.3

Submissions are reviewed by the whole Ethics Committee at the EC meeting.

• The researcher will be asked to make themselves available for questioning during the EC meeting time slot.
  • Remote or onsite attendance arrangements will be made with the researcher prior to the meeting.

EC reviews EC submission form at EC meeting

Ethics Review Outcome Advice

Stage 3.4

The researcher is advised of one of the following outcomes:

• The EC submission form is approved.
  • The EC Secretary will provide the researcher with a formal letter of approval. The research can commence according to the agreed ethical research plan.
• Further adjustment to the EC submission form is required.
  • The EC Secretary will provide a formal letter specifying the adjustments to be made to the submission, or additional information requested by the EC.
  • The EC may approve adjusted submissions out-of-session.
  • Complex resubmissions will be assessed at the next EC meeting.

EC advises researcher of review outcome

Resources

• AIS-EC-Submission-Form.docx(DOCX • 192.6 kb)
• AIS-Research-Submission-Process-V3.pdf(PDF • 433.6 kb)
• (DOTX • 299.5 kb)

For further information

Please contact the AIS Research Review Committee - researchreview@ausport.gov.au