Starting a new research project
This page provides an overview of the steps you need to take to conduct your own research project. Each step includes links to further information. Bookmark this page! However, please always feel free to contact us to discuss your plans specifically.
Step 1.
First steps for a new local project – and how to get help
Team-building, getting support, thinking about stats – click here - for more information about first steps when starting your own project.
Step 2.
Ethics – getting the tick from HREC
If your project will only be conducted at Grampians Health (i.e. a ‘single-site project’) – click here - for information about getting ethics approval.
If your project will involve non-GH sites as well, please contact us to discuss this - we can make it work!
Step 3.
Governance – getting GH permission to do research here!
Your ethics approval only confirms your project meets ethical standards. You still need permission from GH to do your research here. The research governance process is how you do this, and it considers matters such as: departmental support; use of our resources; ensuring our systems can appropriately manage the research data; insurance and indemnity arrangements; etc.
If your project will only be at Grampians Health (i.e. a ‘single-site project’) - click here - for information about getting governance authorisation.
If your project will involve non-GH sites as well, there are a couple of extra steps – please contact us for help with this.
Step 4.
Doing the research – how to maintain your approvals
Reporting: to maintain your approvals, you need to adhere to reporting requirements for the life of your project - click here - for more information.
Amendments: many projects will require changes as you go – click here - for information about how to make these changes.
Monitoring: note that GH SJOG HREC and REGO routinely audit research projects to ensure they’re being conducted in line with their approvals – this is not a ‘policing’ process, but a matter of quality control and learning.
Don’t forget we’re here to help!
This is not a step, but a reminder that we’re keen to help however we can, at all stages of your research endeavours. Our aim is to help you make the research happen as smoothly as possible, so you’ll be keen to do even more research at Grampians Health.
Always feel free to contact us.