In 2026, Adelaide University will utilise the ‘ACES’ Human Ethics Application Form (which is currently being used by University of Adelaide).
As we transition to Adelaide University, core UniSA Business Systems (including the UniSA Human Ethics Application Platform) will unavoidably need to be shut down to allow for the transfer of records to the new Adelaide University system – ACES.
Where feasible, every effort will be made to finalise outcomes / approvals for any applications under active review before the system shutdown (anticipated for 5pm – 01 December 2025*). If this is not possible, the review process will resume in the new Adelaide University application system, ACES after 05 January 2026.
If you have any questions about the best approach for your HREC application, please contact the UniSA Human Ethics Office: humanethics@unisa.edu.au
For existing approved research projects: please also note that the UniSA Human Ethics Office will continue to be available as usual for the remainder of 2025 to receive and process requests related to the on-going management and monitoring of ethics projects (such as ‘Project Variation Requests’; ‘Adverse or Reportable Event’ submissions; any complaints received; etc.).
Please be mindful that some submissions may take longer than usual to review or to receive a response; and some full application reviews may need to be held over until 2026 to be considered by the new Adelaide University committees.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience as we continue to work towards 'Day One' of Adelaide University.
*Due to the fast-paced work undertaken during our transition to Adelaide University, please be aware that this information may be subject to minor changes. While this will be avoided as far as possible, please check the Human Research Ethics intranet regularly for the most up-to-date advice
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Urgent Application Pathway
As part of the transition to Adelaide University, the UniSA HREC will implement an urgent pathway for truly critical submissions between the UniSA HREC submission cut-off and the commencement of the Adelaide University committee processes. The UniSA HREC may, by exception only, accept genuinely urgent new applications. Acceptance of such applications will be at the discretion of the HREC Chair.
Key Dates
Process
The following process must be followed for consideration of applications through the urgent submission pathway:
Please note that, due to time constraints from the planned system closures (along with standard application processing / review timeframes), review or approval cannot be guaranteed during this period, even for urgent submissions.
Non-urgent applications
For applications related to activities to be conducted in 2026, the UniSA Research Office strongly encourages you to delay submission until the new Adelaide University ACES platform becomes available. Submitting through the new platform will ensure that your project is managed fully within the Adelaide University review and oversight framework, supporting consistency and continuity across the project’s lifecycle.
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UniSA HREC will be unable to consider online applications requiring UniSA HREC review (ie applications assessed as being E3 risk level) unless they are submitted online by the deadline dates specified below. For an application to be considered by the deadline date it must be at the 'E3 - HREC' stage.
Applications received after the deadline date will be considered at the following meeting. The period between the submission date and the meeting allows time for applications to be read by UniSA HREC members.
All UniSA HREC meetings will be held on campus or via zoom, commencing at 9.30am.
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Meeting Date – 9.30am |
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS (5pm) |
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Monday 20 October 2025 |
Tuesday 16 September 2025 |
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Monday 17 November 2025 |
Tuesday 28 October 2025 |