New initiatives and services from the university鈥檚 Research Ethics Board
The has introduced a number of new initiatives and services that will streamline and facilitate the ethics review process.
Initiatives
- President’s Task Force Quality Improvement Survey
The President’s REB Task Force sent a quality improvement survey at the beginning of the month to receive honest feedback from the research community regarding their recent experiences with the REB. Responses will help drive positive change within the research ethics environment at Ontario Tech. Please take the time to if you have not done so already. - REB website
The REB is revising its website to include up-to-date information about the REB and access to the most recent templates. You can still access the . More information about the launch will follow. - REB application
The REB is revising the current application for ethical review. The inclusion of new questions will ensure the application remains current with standard practices and regulations related to research involving human participants. The new application will also allow the inclusion of protocol documents for research projects including regular lab activities and standard practices. More information about the launch of the REB application will follow in the next few months. In the meantime, researchers should continue using the REB’s current application until further notice. - Consent form
Revisions to the consent form are in progress. The form’s sections will be reorganized to include wording on recommended and required clauses. The revised consent form will be available on the REB website by the end of June.
- Recruitment of new REB members
The President and the REB seek expressions of interest for the appointment of General Members to the REB for a three-year renewable term, effective Monday, July 1. Applicants must have knowledge of the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS2) and current research experience involving human participants.
Interested applicants should send their current (condensed) curriculum vitae to president@uoit.ca. Please direct questions about the REB, or the position, to the ethics office at researchethics@uoit.ca or ext. 3693.
Services
- REB consultations
In-person or remote REB consultations are available to all researchers and students who need assistance with their REB submission. The consultations cover topics such as:- How to submit to the REB.
- Human ethics advice.
- Interpreting the content of the REB application, legislations, policies and/or procedures
- Assessing level of risk and determining which REB application to use.
- Researchers are encouraged to seek a consultation before submitting an application to the REB. Please contact the Ethics office at researchethics@uoit.ca or ext. 3693 to schedule a consultation.
- Research ethics education
Representatives from the REB are available to deliver presentations or facilitate class discussions about research ethics. Please contact the Ethics office at researchethics@uoit.ca or 905.721.8668 ext. 3693 to schedule an appointment.
Important note:
The REB receives a high volume of submissions during the months of July, August, October and November, which may result in extended review turnaround times. In preparation for the upcoming peak submission period, researchers are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early, or if possible, during non-peak periods to minimize unforeseen delays. If you require assistance with your submission or would like to receive a consultation, please contact the Ethics office at researchethics@uoit.ca or ext. 3693.
Watch for more updates from the REB in the coming months, and feel free to share your feedback by contacting researchethics@uoit.ca.
