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The REB reviews all proposed research involving human participants conducted at our sites or affiliate sites meets the current scientific, regulatory and ethical standards and good clinical practice for the protection of human research participants. Our main goal is to protect participant rights in accordance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 for the Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS-2): Respect for Persons, Concern for Welfare, Justice.
Members may serve for up to three years with possibility of renewal and must:
Dr. Michael Seto is a registered clinical and forensic psychologist and a research director with The Royal, as well as Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa. He has an abiding interest in research and professional ethics, beginning with his first ever published article (a review about professional sexual misconduct for Canadian Psychology), extensive experience as an investigator or reviewer for university and hospital research ethics boards, research ethics considerations as an associate editor and editor for multiple academic journals and membership with the REB.
There are no available membership positions at this time. If you are interested in becoming a Board member, please check back later.
The REB adopts a proportionate approach to ethics review, in that the level of REB review is determined by the level of risk presented by the research. There are two levels of REB review possible for brand new studies: Full Board review and Delegated review (expedited). For example, clinical trials fall under Full Board review, whereas minimal risk studies fall under Delegated review. However, at the discretion of the REB office and REB Chair, a study may be assigned to Full Board review.
The REB has instituted a 2-step application and review process. All applications, whether Full Board or Delegated, must be submitted for preliminary review prior to applying for REB review. Once your project has received preliminary review approval, you may submit your study for REB review.
All submissions (chart review, observational studies, interventional and clinical trials), regardless of review level, must be submitted using the REB System.
For guidance on how to use the REB System, please review the System Guide for REB Applicants.
If you will be conducting a study at both The Royal REB and OHSN-REB (e.g., cross-appointed investigator and/or study activity), please submit your study to the following website to determine which REB will review your application.
In some cases, it can be difficult to determine if a project is an actual research study or if it is a quality improvement project.
TCPS-2 states “Quality Assurance and quality improvement studies, program evaluation activities and performance reviews, or testing within normal educational requirements when used exclusively for assessment, management or improvement purposes do not constitute research and do not fall within the scope of REB review.”
This guidance document and checklist are tools to assist research staff to determine whether their project falls under the category of research or quality improvement. It is important to note that studies that appear to be predominately quality improvement may have elements that deem them a research study.
REB meetings are generally held on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Preliminary review process: All applications must undergo a preliminary review by the REB Administration Office prior to processing and providing the applications to the Board for review. This applies to Full Board review and Delegated reviews.
Full Board submissions will be reviewed during the next available meeting time upon completion of their preliminary review. Delegated reviews may be reviewed at any time.
2025 REB Meeting Dates:
The REB Terms of Reference define the scope, authority, structure, roles and responsibilities and operating procedures of the REB. It clarifies how the REB is constituted, how it reviews and oversees research involving human participants and how it ensures ethical standards are met consistently. In doing so, it provides guidance and a formal framework for members, researchers and institutional administrators so that ethical review is transparent, accountable and in compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
These documents and external resources support the work and decision making of the REB. Whether you are a researcher preparing a submission, a board member reviewing applications or a staff member seeking clarity on ethical standards, these resources help ensure alignment with best practices, regulatory requirements and institutional policy:
The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) below govern the day‑to‑day functioning of the REB. The SOPs define in detail the roles, responsibilities, administrative processes, review steps, decision criteria, communication protocols and quality assurance measures that the REB follows. They serve as a practical reference for REB members, administrators and researchers alike, ensuring that all ethics reviews and oversight comply with policy, consistency, transparency and institutional standards.
If you are interested in learning more about the REB or have questions about the application process, please contact Alexis Dorland at (613) 722-6521 ext. 6592 or adorland@theroyal.ca.
1145 Carling Ave.,
Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4
(613) 722-6521
1141 Carling Ave.,
Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4
(613) 722-6521
1804 Highway 2 E, P.O. Box 1050,
Brockville, ON K6V 5W7
(613) 345-1461
2121 Carling Ave.,
Ottawa, ON K2A 1H2
(613) 722-6521
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