Focus questions

Where the research protocol uses focus questions to start off a self-generated response from participants, the focus questions must be submitted with the application. Brief superficial focus questions are not acceptable. The focus questions submitted must enable the Committee to appreciate the style and type of inquisition that the subjects/participants will undergo.

Letterheads/Joint Letterheads

In general research documentation approved by the University of Sydney HREC will be on University of Sydney headed notepaper. If the research has been approved by other Ethics Committees (e.g. Hospital Ethics Committees) then joint letterheads are acceptable. Very occasionally, and only following a justified request, will the University of Sydney not be featured on the letterhead. University staff can obtain letterhead templates from http://www.usyd.edu.au/publications/tools/index.shtml and should be read in conjunction with the style guides http://www.usyd.edu.au/publications/styleguides/index.shtml.

Coloured letterhead sample

 

Who is the Chief Investigator

In student research the Chief Investigator must be a University staff member for purposes of risk management, insurance, and legal reasons. Thus even though the student may have thought up the project, done all the development work, etc. the supervisor must be named as the Chief Investigator. For other research where there may be two or more researchers who each claim "chief" status, the HREC still requires a Chief Investigator for reference purposes so please make an amicable decision to obtain such a figurehead!

Reference Lists

The Committee wishes to know of relevant references but does not wish to be overloaded with a reference tome. Please keep reference lists concise and to the point for the research proposal being submitted.