Research & Innovation
Low-Risk Human Research Ethics Panel (LR-HREP)
What is Low-Risk Human Research?
The Institute of Health & Management (IHM) is committed to advancing knowledge, improving professional practice, and strengthening community outcomes through impactful, ethically sound research. Our Research & Innovation division supports staff, students, and partners to engage in high-quality scholarship across nursing, health, education, and management disciplines.
Guided by the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025) and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, IHM provides structured pathways for research development, ethics review, researcher capability building, and collaboration. This includes the newly established Low-Risk Human Research Ethics Panel (LR-HREP), created to enable efficient and proportionate review of low- and negligible-risk projects.
Through research partnerships, practitioner-led inquiry, student research, and evidence-informed innovation, IHM fosters a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and continuous improvement, helping transform ideas into meaningful contributions to the health and education sectors.
The LR-HREP reviews human research activities conducted within IHM that are of low or negligible/minimal risk to participants.
Purpose of LR-HREP
IHM Research & Innovation is designed to serve as a comprehensive and authoritative resource for understanding low-risk and negligible-risk human research at IHM Australia. Its purpose is to:
- Clarify key definitions and scope by clearly outlining what constitutes low-risk and negligible-risk human research within IHM, ensuring researchers understand the level of risk associated with different forms of inquiry.
- Guide academic staff and students in determining whether their proposed projects, such as capstone studies, interviews, surveys, or small-scale investigations, may be eligible for review through the Low-Risk Human Research Ethics Panel (LR-HREP), in line with institutional procedures and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
- Explain the LR-HREP review pathway, including the required processes, assessment criteria, documentation, and approval steps, to support efficient and proportionate ethics review for lower-risk projects.
- Strengthen ethical decision-making by providing accessible, accurate, and practice-focused information that aligns with national ethical standards and IHM’s governance requirements.
- Stimulate and support internal research activity, particularly student-led and practitioner-led projects that foster scholarly growth and may evolve into publishable research
Research Governance
The Research Governance function at the Institute of Health and Management (IHM Australia) provides institutional oversight and coordination of research activity to ensure the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and quality. The team is responsible for coordinating research ethics processes, overseeing the implementation of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, and supporting responsible research practice across the Institute.
The Low-Risk Human Research Ethics Panel (LR-HREP) at the Institute of Health and Management (IHM Australia) is established under the direct supervision of the Academic Board and operates in accordance with the rules and principles set out in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025 (National Statement 2025). The LR-HREP provides a proportionate and efficient ethics review pathway for low-risk and negligible-risk human research while ensuring full compliance with national standards and institutional governance requirements.
In addition, the Research Governance team at the Institute of Health and Management (IHM Australia) offers advice and practical guidance to staff and students on understanding and applying the principles of low-risk and negligible-risk human research. This includes support in determining appropriate risk classification, identifying suitable ethics review pathways, and navigating LR-HREP processes in line with institutional guidelines and national requirements.
Dr. Balasankar Ganesan
Academic Dean ( Interim) & Associate Dean (Academic & Research), IHM
Dr. Ridwanul Hoque
Associate Dean and Director Quality Management, IHM
Dr. Bhawna Gupta
Associate Professor in Public Health, Torrens University
Dr. Rifai Chai
Academic Director (Partnerships) and Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Swinburne University
Research Integrity Advisors (RIAs)
Research Integrity Advisors (RIAs) at IHM play a central role in promoting a culture of responsible, ethical, and high-quality research across the Institute. They provide confidential, independent guidance to staff and students on matters relating to responsible research conduct, research integrity, and the ethical design and conduct of low-risk research.
RIAs can assist researchers by offering informed advice on:
- Applying the principles of responsible research and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018).
- Designing ethically robust research projects, including those classified as low-risk or negligible-risk under IHM’s guidelines.
- Good practices, strategies, and processes to prevent integrity concerns, disputes, or misunderstandings before they arise.
- Whether a particular situation may constitute a breach of research integrity or research misconduct, and what steps to take.
- Navigating IHM’s ethics review structures, including the Low-Risk Human Research Ethics Panel (LR-HREP) and institutional integrity arrangements.
Importantly, RIAs do not review, assess, or investigate alleged breaches of the Australian Code or IHM policies. Their role is advisory, not investigative. This ensures that researchers have access to impartial, supportive guidance without triggering formal processes prematurely.
RIAs also contribute to strengthening research culture at IHM by supporting the development of policies, procedures, resources, and training programs related to research integrity. This aligns with IHM’s broader commitment to ensuring staff and students understand their responsibilities and receive appropriate training and support, as outlined in Section 2.8 of the Guideline on Low-Risk Research, which identifies the Research Ethics and Integrity Officer and the Research & Innovation Manager as key roles in guiding responsible research practice and ethics education.
Dr. Abhishek Sharma
Research and Innovation Manager, IHM
Guidelines for Applying to LR-HREP
Everything you need to know about applying for low-risk human research ethics approval at IHM.
1. Who Must Apply?
- Involves human participants, their data or biospecimens
- Is profiled as low or negligible/minimal risk
- Is conducted by IHM staff, students or affiliates, or uses IHM data, facilities or branding
You must obtain LR-HREP approval before commencing any IHM research project that:
2. What Types of Projects Are Suitable for LR-HREP Review?
Examples of projects appropriate for LR-HREP (provided risk does not exceed discomfort) include:
Data Collection and Use
-
Anonymous or non-identifiable surveys with non-sensitive questions
-
Online questionnaires via generic/public links (e.g. social media)
-
Focus groups or interviews that avoid highly sensitive topics and where accidental disclosure will not cause serious harm
-
Creation or use of data registries using non-identifiable data from existing datasets where data-owner permission is not required
Use of Existing Biospecimens
- Specimens collected under broad/unspecified consent
- No risks beyond minor discomfort; specimens non-identifiable to researchers
- No individual or family health-related findings generated
Minimal or Non-Invasive Procedures
- Activities such as reading, watching videos, playing online games, solving puzzles, or simple cognitive tasks
- No physical or medical interventions
Desk-Based Work
- Literature reviews, document analyses or qualitative syntheses that do not use personal information and do not breach copyright or intellectual property laws
3. Projects That Cannot Be Reviewed by LR-HREP
Important: Some research must be reviewed by a full HREC, even if you believe the risk is low.
These include projects involving:
Consent and Data Issues
- Waiver of consent or the use of identifiable health information without consent
- Unconsented biospecimens or use beyond the original consent scope
- Genomic research or sharing of genomic data beyond original consent
Biospecimens and Advanced Procedures
- Derivation of products from human embryos or biobanking activities
- Export of biospecimens or use of specimens that may yield significant health findings
- Xenotransplantation
Vulnerable or Higher-Risk Populations
- Pregnant women and fetuses
- People highly dependent on medical care (e.g. hospitalised or involuntary patients)
- Individuals with cognitive impairment, intellectual disability or certain mental illnesses
- Participants where research may expose illegal activity (unless fully de-identified data is used)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, where culturally appropriate engagement and HREC oversight are required
Need guidance? If your project falls into any of the above categories, you must apply to an external HREC. The Research and Innovation team can advise on suitable HRECs.
4. Application Process
Involves human participants, their data or biospecimens
Review the Guideline on Low-Risk Research and use the decision-tree / governance chart to classify your project.
Discuss with Your Supervisor / Line Manager
Confirm the project’s feasibility, supervision arrangements and resource needs.
Prepare Application Documents
- Application Form for Ethics Approval for Low-Risk Human Research
- Research protocol / project plan
- Participant Information Sheet (PIS)
- Consent Form template(s)
- Data management and privacy plan
- Any instruments (e.g. survey, interview guide, recruitment materials)
Submit to LR-HREP
Send the completed application and all supporting documents to researchethics@ihm.edu.au by the advertised cut-off dates.
Ethics Review and Outcome
- The LR-HREP will review your application in line with IHM procedures and the National Statement.
- Outcomes may include approval, conditional approval (requiring amendments), request for further information, or referral to an external HREC.
After Approval
Conduct the project in accordance with the
approved protocol.
Submit progress/completion reports and notify LR-HREP
of
any:
- Amendments to the protocol
- Adverse events or unexpected issues
- Early termination of the project
Outcome Notification: Applicants will typically receive an outcome (approved, approved with conditions, request for amendment, or not approved) within 4-6 weeks of the submission deadline.
Low-Risk Ethics Application Dates
The Low-Risk Human Research Ethics Panel (LR-HREP) meets quarterly to review submissions for low-risk and negligible-risk human research. Researchers must submit completed applications, including all supporting documents, by the deadlines listed below to ensure consideration in the corresponding review cycle.
2026 Submission Deadlines (Quarterly)
Please note that following the Cycle Meeting, the IHM Low-Risk Human Research Ethics Panel (LR-HREP) will require approximately 3-4 weeks to reach and communicate a decision on submitted applications.
Deadline: 1 January 2026
Deadline: 1 April 2026
Deadline: 1 July 2026
Deadline: 1 October 2026
Request a Date
If your project requires review outside the scheduled quarterly rounds, you may request a specific review date. Requests will be assessed based on panel availability and the nature of the project.
For enquiries or to submit a request, please contact:
Policies & Procedures
Our Policies and Procedures ensure consistent, safe, and compliant operations. They provide clear guidance for staff responsibilities and support best practices across the organisation.
Forms & Resources
Access all the documents, templates, and resources you need for low-risk human research ethics applications.
Assets for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about low-risk human research ethics at IHM.
- Approved
- Approved with conditions
- Resubmit with changes
- Rejected
Contact Us
For enquiries about low-risk human research ethics at IHM, including risk classification, application requirements, and external HREC referrals, please contact:
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