Frequently asked questions

Scope of ethics review

Question: Does my data collection activity require ethics review? 

Response: It is important to remember that not all data collection is considered research under the TCPS 2, not all research involves human participants, and not all research involving humans requires ethics review. Refer to Does my data collection activity require ethics review to determine if your activity requires ethics review and contact Research Ethics if you have any questions.Ìý

Question: I want to collect some data from À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ students and faculty for program improvement purposes. Does this require an ethics review? 

Response: Refer to the À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ guidelines on quality assurance or improvement projects.Ìý

Ethics review process and timelines

Question: This is my first time submitting an ethics application. What resources and tips should I keep in mind? 

Response: Keep the following in mind when developing your ethics application: 

  1. Become familiar with the ethics review process and review the various resources that are provided on the Office of Research website when conducting research with human participants or when using tissue, remains and bodily fluid.Ìý
  2. Use the samples and other supporting documents as guides when developing materials for study participants (e.g., recruitment materials, information-consent documents, feedback and appreciation letters).Ìý
  3. Review the research ethics system training guide. Watch the short (youtube) on submitting an ethics application using À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's online system.Ìý
  4. Reach out to Research Ethics staff with your questions.Ìý

Question: How long does the ethics review process take? 

Response: In general, consider the following timelines when planning your project:

  • New applications: If the research is categorized as minimal risk, expect the initial review feedback to be sent to you within 15 business days after you submit the application for review. You will know your application has been submitted as the status changes from "in progress" to "submitted for review".Ìý
  • Revisions: Expect the review of revisions to take 5 to 10 business days after being submitted. Revisions are changes you made to the application based on the review feedback received. When revisions are under review, the status will change to "resubmitted".
  • Amendments: Expect the review of amendments to take 5 to 10 business days after being submitted for review. Amendments are modifications made to an application that has already received ethics clearance. Amendments are typically minor changes; amendments that involve significant changes may take longer to review. Researchers who are submitting amendments that involve significant changes should consider if a new application should be submitted.Ìý

Question: Are there things that may increase the review time? 

Response: The following may increase review time:

  • submitting applications during peak periods such as February, May and November
  • if the application requires review by one of the Research Ethics Boards or by multiple reviewers
  • application has missing or inconsistent information, and/or is poorly organized 

Question: Are there submission deadlines for course-based research projects and teaching and learning projects? Course-based research projects are research projects that will be carried out by students as part of their course.Ìý

Response: Course instructors should consider the following submission deadlines for projects that will begin near the beginning of term:

  • March 15 for a project to begin in the Spring term
  • July 15 for a project to begin in the Fall term
  • November 15 for a project to begin in the Winter term

Question: How will I know if my application will need to be reviewed by one of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Research Ethics Boards (REBs)?

Response: The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Research Ethics Boards (REBs) have authorized delegated review of research that poses no greater than minimal risk to participants. Research that poses minimal risk to the participant typically undergoes delegated ethics review through the Office of Research Ethics or through an approved departmental delegated review committee, such as the Delegated Ethics Review Committee (Psychology). Research that poses greater than minimal risk will be reviewed by the Human Research Ethics Board (HREB) or the Clinical Research Ethics Committee (CREB) depending on the procedures. You will be notified if your protocol requires review by full REB at one of their monthly meetings, and you may be asked to provide clarifying information in advance of the meeting.Ìý

Question: When should I submit my application if my project requires full board review? 

¸é±ð²õ±è´Ç²Ô²õ±ð:ÌýRefer to the Research Ethics Boards (REBs) meeting and submission dates.

Secondary data

Question: Do I need to submit an ethics application if the data has been collected by someone else and de-identified?

Response: Yes. Secondary use refers to the use of information originally collected for a purpose other than the current research purpose. In most cases, if you are looking to use data that has already been collected, you will need to submit a secondary use of information application. Researchers who have not obtained consent from participants for secondary use of identifiable information shall only use this information for research purposes if it satisfies the requirements outlined in the.

Researchers do not need to seek consent from individuals for the secondary use of non-identifiable information.

Research using human tissue or bodily fluids

Question: Will my study need to undergo an ethics review if I am using previously donated human tissue, blood, or remains? 

Response: Yes. An ethics application needs to be submitted and reviewed if a study involves the use of human tissue, remains, or bodily fluids. Refer to our guidance on research using remains, tissue, human tissue or bodily fluids.Ìý

Developing a medical device

²Ï³Ü±ð²õ³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýWhat do I need to consider if I wish to develop a medical device and test it on humans?

¸é±ð²õ±è´Ç²Ô²õ±ð:ÌýThere are a number of considerations involving the development of a device as a medical device including:

  • class of the medical device,
  • need for an investigational testing authorization
  • need to report adverse events to Health Canada
  • training requirements for research staff
  • need for establishments producing the device to be ISO compliant
  • need to maintain records of your study trials.

Refer to the UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ guidelines on medical device research. Reach out to Research Ethics staff if you have any questions.Ìý

Working with organizations

Question: I am interested in conducting research in schools. What do I need to do?

Response: Researchers who wish to conduct projects in other school board jurisdictions are responsible for ascertaining whether the specific Board has board-level or other approval requirements and, if so, to make their own arrangements for access to these Boards. The requirement for prior ethics clearance applies. If you are working with school boards in the Region of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ see the review process, timelines and tips for conducting research in these Boards.Ìý 

Question: I plan to enlist the help of a manager to recruit a number of employees from a particular company. What should I be aware of? 

Response: There are many considerations when the research involves working with organizations or groups since each may have their own policies and procedures. Refer to the guidelines for conducting research when participants are part of an organization or group.Ìý

Funding

Question: I need access to my grant funds, but am not ready to submit a complete ethics application. What do I do?

Response: Contact your grant/contract manager in the Office of Research about the early release of funds.Ìý

Learning about research ethics

Question: I am looking for information on the evolution of research ethics and historical examples of the protections that have been put in place around the world. Where can I find this information?

Response: Please refer to our summary of the evolution of protections for humans in research.

²Ï³Ü±ð²õ³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô:ÌýI am looking for a guest to speak with my class on research ethics. Is there someone who can give a presentation?

Response: Staff members in the Office of Research Ethics are available to speak with students and give presentations. Please contact Research Ethics to discuss.

Updated July 2025