How To Approach the ATR about a Study

First, approach the ATR with your study idea or question for preliminary discussion

• You are encouraged to consider early discussion with ATR Management (Director, Deputy Director, Coordinator, Project Support). This process can be very useful to explore possible twin study designs, available cohorts, existing data. The ATR can also provide details regarding sample availability, assistance in drafting approach documentation, discussion regarding possible limitations and advice regarding methodology. Communication can occur via telephone, teleconference, face to face meeting or email.
• The next steps is to submit an Expression of Interest to formally request ATR involvement in a potential study
• The ATR gives indication of study’s feasibility and suitability of involving the ATR and provides written 'In Principle' Approval
• You can use this 'In Principle' Approval to tick relevant boxes on grant applications ie. Does the project require use of an NHMRC-funded facility? Has the facility indicated support for the study?
• The ATR reserves the right to request an external review of any project wishing to access its facilities and resources.

Study Development

• The ATR can work with you on developing your grant and ethics applications, provide you with details for feasible numbers of twins, feedback and assistance in drafting documents such as approach letters, consent forms, participant information sheets and questionnaires.
• The next step is to submit a full ATR Full Application with all supporting documentation and (if possible) a copy of the relevant grant application (in confidence).

Review and Approval of the Study

• The ATR formally reviews applications with the assistance of relevant experts, who may in some cases suggest modifications.
• The ATR will work collaboratively with you in addressing issues identified in the review process.
• The ATR requests input, prior to ethics submission, into approach materials and other documentation used to recruit twins.

Study Development Continued including Ethics Approval

• The ATR can provide assistance in drafting the ethics submission and provide a letter of support for the study to help expedite ethics approval
• The ATR can assist you to address any issues raised by the Ethics Committee
• Once all issues raised during review are satisfied, and approach materials and study coordination procedures have been agreed to the mutual satisfaction of yourself and the ATR, a formal letter of approval is issued subject to the ATR receiving a copy of the relevant HREC ethics approval for the study.
• The study can then begin recruiting immediately the ATR receives a copy of the relevant HREC ethics approval for the study

Please see ATR Application Approval Procedure Flowchart for further details

ATR Application Forms

Expression of Interest Form

Full ATR Application Form

Example Study Approach Documents

Adult ATR Approach Letter

Adult ATR Response Form

Example Study Information Sheet 1

Example Study Information Sheet 2