Human Research Ethics for STEM (Schools of Science, Engineering, and Computing and Mathematical Sciences)

Information about STEM process for Ethical Approval including deadline dates, access to templates and guidelines.

Any staff or student from the Division of STEM - Schools of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Engineering, and Science - who are planning to conduct a research project that involves human participants will need approval from the STEM Human Research Ethics Committee.

STEM has the following application forms:

Ethics Application Process

Ethical Approval must be gained prior to the commencement of the research.  Applicants (and supervisors) are encouraged to begin the process in order to submit their application at least one month before beginning their research (e.g. to begin research in July, an application would need to be submitted in time for the June deadline.

You can expect to receive a letter from the Committee Convenor regarding your application within 10 working days after the appropriate deadline (i.e. if your application is received in time for the 5 October deadline, you will receive a letter 10 working days after 6 October).

Important things to remember before submitting a human research ethics application

Your signed application form must be submitted via email to stem-ethics@waikato.ac.nz

  • Your application should include the Participant Information Sheet (PIS), where applicable

  • Your application should include the Research Consent form (RCF), where applicable

  • Supervisors: If you have any questions about an ethical issue raised by your student's research, please contact Megan Boston prior to the deadline.  This can help reduce delays through the approval process.

Deadline dates

2026

  • Monday 2 February

  • Monday 2 March

  • Wednesday 8 April (delayed due to Easter)

  • Monday 4 May

  • Tuesday 2 June (delayed due to Kings birthday holiday on Monday 1st)

  • Monday 6 July

  • Monday 3 August

  • Monday 7 September

  • Monday 5 October

  • Monday 2 November

  • Monday 7 December

Applications received after any of the above dates, will not be considered until the next month's application round.

All applications must be sent to stem-ethics@waikato.ac.nz.  We will endeavour to get back to you within a 10 working day timeframe.

Additional information

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