Learn about the new ethics management system and application portal.
The new ethics management system, Hōkai, is now live.
OmniStar has been chosen to handle Ethics Management and has replaced the ResearchMaster ethics module. The new system will support existing ethics management processes and procedures, safeguarding the roles of both the Human Ethics Committee (HEC) and Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) in upholding ethical standards within the University.
To limit the disruption for our researchers, both systems will be accessible for a period. Key deadlines and dates are outlined below.
University staff and postgraduate thesis students must log in to Hōkai using the 'University Staff Single Sign-On' button. If you have not accessed Hōkai or ResearchMaster for ethics previously you will be asked to register your account.
Click on the 'University Staff Single Sign-On' button.
This will direct you to the University’s single sign-on authentication system.
If you are not automatically logged in to Hōkai you will be asked to register your account.
If you are unsure of your University staff login details contact your manager or postgraduate administrator.
Contact Hōkai@vuw.ac.nz if you have issues logging in to Hōkai.
If you have not accessed Hōkai or ResearchMaster for ethics previously you will be asked to register your account.
Once you have logged in to the University’s single sign-on authentication system, you will be directed to the Hōkai 'Register linked account' screen. Your details will auto-populate.
You will need to request access to Hōkai if you don't have a University staff account by emailing hokai@vuw.c.nz.
Access requests must be made for some Master's students, Honours students, and external parties.
Once you have been provisioned access to Hōkai you will need to use the manual login option and enter your email address and password you were provided.
Transition from ResearchMaster to Hōkai
Tuesday 25 June
The final deadline to submit an ethics application or amendment using ResearchMaster was 4 pm on Tuesday 25 June 2024.
You will still be able to access ResearchMaster to view and download any existing application information and documents you saved.
Any draft applications still in ResearchMaster have not been migrated to Hōkai.
Monday 8 July
Hōkai is now live. You should use Hōkai to submit new applications, as well as amendments to an approved application. Applications from ResearchMaster have been migrated to Hōkai.
If you submitted an application in ResearchMaster before the 25 June deadline, the Research Ethics teams will complete your application process in ResearchMaster. Any outstanding requests for revisions or resubmissions in ResearchMaster must be completed by 30 August 2024.
Friday 30 August
ResearchMaster will close any outstanding research ethics functions on 30 August 2024. You will be able to access all your completed applications (approved, declined, or withdrawn) in Hōkai after this date. Any draft applications still in ResearchMaster will not be migrated out.
Training and support
Learn how to use Hōkai by visiting training and support by enrolling in the Hōkai Nuku course. You'll find information to get started in the Hōkai basics for everyone module, as well as tailored modules for research students, supervisors, and staff researchers.
The Office of the DVC Māori gifted our new Ethics Management system its name. A hōkai is a staying brace of a waka. Its purpose is to strengthen the structure of the waka, thereby ensuring its journey is successful. This name speaks metaphorically to the important role that the new ethics system will play in maintaining and strengthening the high standards of our research practices, and the need to balance our desire to push research boundaries while ensuring we remain accountable and responsible to our communities. This name connects with the University’s te reo Māori name, Te Herenga Waka, meaning the mooring place of canoes.
Development
Hōkai has been created by leveraging the current ethics application form and has been designed to meet key University ethics requirements. This approach enabled us to swiftly develop the platform while reducing expenses, establishing a foundation for future improvements.
Project contact
The Research Office and Digital Solutions dedicated a project team to this transition, so the Human Ethics and Animal Ethics teams can continue to manage applications. If you have any questions about the transition to Hōkai, contact the ResearchMaster Replacement project team by emailing ResearchMasterReplacementproject@vuw.ac.nz.
Learn more about research ethics at Victoria University of Wellington.
