ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É Compliance & Ethics System (ACES)

ACES is the University’s new online research compliance and ethics system for managing Animal Ethics, Human Research Ethics, and Gene Technology/Biosafety applications.

ACES will provide a range of benefits such as:

  • Streamlined and intuitive online forms to improve the user experience for applicants, committees and support staff;
  • A common platform for all Ethics and Compliance applications;
  • An expected reduction in turn-around time for application approvals;
  • Greater flexibility and configurability of the system to improve responsiveness to changes in processes, guidelines and user requests; and
  • The ability to track the progress of applications from submission to approval.

ACES has been implemented in a staged approach in early-2025 and is now live for all 3 domains: Animal Ethics, Human Research Ethics, and Gene Technology/Biosafety.

ACES is a collaboration between Research Services and ITDS.

Latest updates

The Gene Technology/ Biosafety module is now live in ACES!

From Tuesday 15 April 2025, all new applications to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) should be submitted via ACES.

Two IBC applications forms will be available:

  • GMO dealing application form. This replaces the current word document form for exempt and notifiable low risk dealing (NLRD) applications. Applications are reviewed and approved by the IBC.
  • Non-GM microbiological risk assessment form. This form is forÌýresearchers whoÌýwork with Risk Group 2 and higher microorganisms and other infectious material to conduct a streamlined microbiological risk assessment against the AS/NZS 2243.3 biosafety criteria. Risk assessments are reviewed by the Biosafety Research Compliance Officer and the IBC.

To support researchers with this change and using ACES to submit IBC applications, please join us for the following webinar:

Introducing the new IBC Biological Compliance ACES Forms
Date: Thursday 1 May 2025
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
Delivery mode: Online


Please note this session will be recorded.

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You will find a list of frequently asked questions below and answers to assist you with the new ACES system. There is also a Getting Started document you can download and use.

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General FAQ

  • What is ACES?

    ACES stands for ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É Compliance and Ethics Systems. This system enables applicants to:
    -ÌýÌý ÌýDraft and submit a brand-new application in the following areas:

    • Gene Technology/Regulated Biological Materials
    • Human ethics
    • Animal ethics

    -ÌýÌý ÌýAmend an existing application
    -ÌýÌý ÌýDuplicate an existing application
    -ÌýÌý ÌýTransferring an application to another user

    It also has a 'reviewer' access interface which allows predetermined roles to:
    - Review assigned applications
    - Added comments and request changes
    - Approve applications
    - Review application within committee meetings
    - Issue approval documentation

  • Do I need to apply for access to ACES?

    All existing University of ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É academic and professional staff, research students, affiliates, conjoints and adjuncts will automatically be granted access to the platform. No registration is required. You can log in by clicking on the University Login button on the login page.
    External users: If you are an external user (collaborator), please contact the relevant Research Ethics or Compliance Officer who will set you up with an account.

  • I have started my application in the old system, do I need to redo it in the new one?

    Each area, whether it's Animal Ethics, Human Ethics, Compliance will specify when the system goes live and will indicate when we will stop accepting applications the old way. If you have any concerns, please speak with relevant Ethics or Compliance Officer.

  • What happens if I have an application in Research Master?

    We will be running with both systems for majority of 2025. For any applications that are existing or in-train in Research Master will remain in that system. Please submit any amendments with the associated platform that the application started with.Ìý

  • I need to submit an amendment for me application that's in Research Master, what should I do?

    As the project was approved within Research Master, it will stay in Research Master. Please follow the usual process to submit an amendment. Any applications started in the new ACES system, please only use that system moving forward.Ìý

Applicant FAQ