research/ethics integrity/

Research in the Great Barrier Reef

CQUniversity is an accredited research institution under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulation 1983. The accreditation allows limited impact research (extractive and non-extractive) to be undertaken by researchers affiliated with CQUniversity, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulation 1983, the CQUniversity Codes of Conduct and any Environmental Management Plan for the Scientific Research Zone around research stations. The accreditation removes the need for researchers to obtain a research permit from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority if they are conducting limited impact research.

Applicants must familiarise themselves with the Memorandum of Understanding, the University's Code of Conduct for Research in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the University's Code of Conduct for Research, the tourism/recreation/best-environmental practice and Responsible Reef Practices. Authorisation must be sought from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) BEFORE the project commences.

Authorisation must be sought from the Committee BEFORE the project commences.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the relevant legislation and University policies and procedures before completing the request for clearance.

Researchers should forward the completed application proforma (together with any required documentation) to the Ethics team at the Research Division. Please note that the application form is updated as required to incorporate new changes and alterations. Always download a new application to ensure the correct form is being used.

Applicants are advised that they will need to prepare their request for clearance well in advance of the project's planned starting date. An email will be sent to the applicant to confirm receipt and allocation of the application number. Please quote this number in all dealings with the Ethics team and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

If your application is assessed as 'limited impact' research, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) will issue a Letter of Authorisation. Please note researchers must at all times carry the Letter of Authorisation while working within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Letter of Authorisation serves as an indication to compliance officers that researchers and/or other personnel are undertaking research under the auspices of an accredited educational or research institution for the purposes of the Zoning Plan. If a Letter of Authorisation is not able to be produced when required, the researcher or other personnel is liable to be prosecuted for contravention of the Zoning Plan.

Modifications

All requests for changes to approved projects must be submitted via email to the Ethics team (ethics@cqu.edu.au). Please note that extensions or amendments cannot be granted retrospectively.

Reporting

Researchers must submit annual reports for projects operating over twelve (12) months and a final report on conclusion of the project.
Researchers must submit a copy of any publication(s) arising from the research conducted in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to the Research Division.

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