The Saint Mary's University Research Ethics Board (SMU REB) reviews and provides clearance for all research studies involving human participants under the jurisdiction of Saint Mary's University and NSCAD University as well as serves as the appeals Board for Mount Saint Vincent University; as determined by the federal Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, (TCPS 2, 2022). It is committed to protecting the rights of research participants and maintaining their trust.
Investigators wishing to conduct research with human participants must submit an application (Form 1 or Form 1C) and have their current plans cleared prior to extending an invitation. The decision to clear a study depends on the information provided in the application. Investigators must share new knowledge that changes this information with the SMU REB through a Change to a Cleared Research Report. Investigators must also inform the SMU REB of unanticipated issues that may be relevant to a research participant's welfare or consent.
Unsure whether research ethics clearance is needed for the work? Please send along a Request for Exemption Review Form.
Clearance tells researchers, "Recruitment of research participants may begin." Investigators must complete Form 1 depending on the nature of the application. Review the application guidelines and the application form form details.
Local clearance tells researchers, "Until the other Canadian REB clearance is in place, recruitment of research participants for the SMU-affiliate may begin." Investigators must complete Form 1C depending on the nature of the application and localize research materials when applicable. Review the application guidelines and the application form for details.
Clearance tells researchers, "This is the best way to proceed in light of the new information or event." Some or no alternations may be needed to the research plan moving forward but a REB review is needed. Investigators are required to immediately report to the SMU REB events occurring to a research participant taking part in their studies.
Clearance tells researchers, "research with participants may continue with the newly demonstrated additions". Investigators are required to notify the SMU REB of any modifications to their currently cleared studies. New plans must first be cleared by the SMU REB before changes can be implemented. Changes include, but are not limited to, changes to Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, primary contact, methods, informed consent process, research materials, study title, funding details and any new additions that have not yet received SMU REB review and clearance. Updated research materials must accompany the request.
Clearance tells researchers, "The research holds extended clearance for another full year." SMU REB clearances are generally granted for a period of one year and must be renewed on an annual basis. The request must include any up-to-date research clearances when applicable. This may include another Canadian REB's current clearance or relating territorial research licenses.
Clearance tells researchers, "The research has completed in a manner that aligns with the promises that have been made to participants." Investigators are required to report the end of study details to the SMU REB.
Two policies exist that cover responsibilities involving research involving humans. The national policy (TCPS 2, 2022) and the home SMU REB Policy. Previous versions of the TCPS were 1998, 2010, 2014 and 2018.
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