---
title: "Submitting an application"
canonical: "https://research.refined.site/space/Research/144015361/Submitting%20an%20application"
format: markdown
---
There are 2 steps to submitting your application:

- Write a research / audit protocol.
- Complete the SiRAF and upload your protocol.

### Research / audit protocol

A study protocol is the pre-defined written procedural method, the “recipe” that study staff will be following throughout the conduct of the study.  The protocol describes the objective(s), design, methodology, statistical considerations and organisation of a study.

Please email the [Research & Knowledge Centre](mailto:waitemataresearch@tewhatuora.govt.nz) for tips and guidelines on how to write a protocol. 

> ℹ️ ### Helpful resources
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ [Writing a research protocol](https://www.scribd.com/document/118320551/Writing-Research-Protocol-Formulation-of-health-research-protocol-a-step-by-step-description)
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ [SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials)](http://www.spirit-statement.org/)
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ [WHO recommended format for a research protocol](https://www.who.int/ethics/review-committee/format-research-protocol/en/)

> ℹ️ ### Sample templates are available for download:
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Research protocol (download [here](https://clinicaldecisions.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/Research/pages/144015361/Submitting+an+application#Files-to-download))
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Audit protocol (download [here](https://clinicaldecisions.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/Research/pages/144015361/Submitting+an+application#Files-to-download))

### Complete an online application

Click **[here ](https://redcap-hnz.hanz.health.nz/surveys/?s=TCA8WKRJCELXWK8P)**to start your your online application. 

**Role of the Waitematā Contact Person where the primary researcher is external and there are no Waitematā employed investigators on the research team**

The Waitematā district contact person is responsible for, and where required, supports the external researcher to complete the Waitematā capacity and capability pathway. Additionally, this person provides ongoing supervision of any external researchers who may request to access Waitematā patients, their clinical record or related data, and/or Waitematā staff and facilities in the conduct of the research to ensure the external researcher meets all ethical, privacy and confidentiality obligations.

It is the responsibility of the primary researcher to liaise with potential Waitematā contacts and gain agreement from them to fulfil the role, prior to completion of the locality application form. 


> ℹ️ The Research & Knowledge Centre aims to review an application within 5 working days.  Once reviewed, you will receive an acknowledgement email containing the approval process that you are required to follow before approval will be granted.

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### Files to download

Click [here ](https://clinicaldecisions.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/Research/pages/144015361/Submitting+an+application#Helpful-resources)to return to top of page

> Macro (attachments)

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###### Last reviewed June 2026   
Author: Kathryn Tennant