Mandate
It is the mandate of the REB to approve, reject, propose modifications to, or terminate any proposed or ongoing research which falls under the scope of Policy C5052 - Ethical Review of Research with Human Participants.
Philosophy
The cardinal principle of modern research ethics is respect for human dignity. This principle aspires to protecting the multiple and interdependent interests of the person – from bodily to psychological to cultural integrity. This principle forms the basis of the ethical obligations in research.
Meetings
Meeting dates are set by the REB chair. Meetings will be held monthly, although the chair may call additional meetings if the need arises. Protocols will only be approved if sufficient and appropriate expertise is available at the meeting. Since attendance at meetings is crucial to review procedures, failure to attend two-thirds (66%) of the REB meetings will result in loss of REB membership.
Related Policy: Policy C5052 - Ethical Review of Research with Human Participants
Taken from Policy C5052: Ethical Review of Research with Human Participants (Approved by AGC October 24, 2011):
4.5 The Research Ethics Board (REB)
4.5.1Mandate and Membership
4.5.1.1 MacEwan shall establish an REB to review the ethical acceptability of all research involving humans conducted within their jurisdiction or under their auspices, that is, by their faculty, staff or students, regardless of where the research is conducted, in accordance with this Policy.
4.5.1.2 One or more REBs are established by the AVPAR, and Terms of Reference are produced.
4.5.1.3 The REB shall consist of at least eight members, including both men and women, of whom:
a) at least six members are full-time University faculty members or academic staff
b) at least three members have expertise in relevant research disciplines, fields and methodologies covered by the REB.
c) at least one member is knowledgeable in ethics
d) at least one member is knowledgeable in the relevant law
e) for research involving students as participants, one member is a full-time student at the University
f) at least one community member who has no affiliation with MacEwan.
4.5.1.4 The REB shall submit an annual report of its activities to the Vice President Academic and Research.
4.5.1.5 The REB shall, as it deems appropriate, review the policy and procedures concerning research ethics, and shall refer its recommendations for revisions to the AGC (Academic Policies Committee).
4.5.2 Decision-Making of REB
4.5.2.1 Determining the Level of Research Ethics Review
The REB shall adopt a proportionate approach to research ethics review such that, as a preliminary step, the level of review is determined by the level of risk presented by the research: the lower the level of risk, the lower the level of scrutiny (delegated review); the higher the level of risk, the higher the level of scrutiny (full board review). A proportionate approach to assessing the ethical acceptability of the research, at either level of review, involves consideration of the foreseeable risks, the potential benefits and the ethical implications of the research.
4.5.2.2 Two levels of research ethics review may apply:
1) Full REB review
Research ethics review by the full REB should be the default requirement for research involving humans.
2) Delegated REB review of minimal risk research
The REB delegates research ethics review to one or more REB members.
4.5.3 Meetings and Record Keeping
4.5.3.1 REBs shall have regular meetings to discharge their responsibilities, and shall normally meet face to face to review proposed research that is not assigned to delegated review.
4.5.3.2 MacEwan’s REB shall prepare and maintain comprehensive records, including all documentation related to the projects submitted to the REB for review, attendance at all REB meetings, and accurate minutes reflecting REB decisions. Where the REB denies ethics approval for a research proposal, the minutes shall include the reasons for this decision.
4.5.3.3 The REB shall accommodate reasonable requests from researchers to participate in discussions about their applications, but the latter shall not be present when the REB makes decisions.
4.5.3.4 When reviewing research proposals, REB members shall disclose real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest to the REB. When necessary, the REB may decide that some of its members must withdraw from REB deliberations and decisions.
4.5.3.5 The REB may consult ad hoc advisors in the event that it lacks the specific expertise or knowledge to review the ethical acceptability of a research proposal competently. Ad hoc advisors should not be counted in the quorum for an REB, nor be allowed to vote on REB decisions.
The Research Ethics Board meets regularly between September 1 and June 30.
Chair: Sandy Jung, Assistant Professor, Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Science
Administrative Support: Amy Brauer
Phone: 780-633-3274
E-mail: rauera@macewan.ca
Website: www.MacEwan.ca/reb
