What is a Research Ethics Board?
An Research Ethics Board (REB) is a multidisciplinary committee that ensures the safety and well-being of research participants. It also ensures that research is conducted in accordance with scientific and ethical principles. An REB is an institutional committee under the direct supervision of the Institution’s Board of Directors. The REB does, however, receive administrative support from the Research Centre in order to implement ministerial plans.
Who serves on the REB?
The Board is made up of a pediatrician, hematologist-oncologist, geneticist, psychiatrist, pharmacist, research nurse, ethicist, jurist and two representatives from the general population. The composition reflects the nature of the projects evaluated by the Board.
What is the REB's mission?
The REB’s chief mission is to evaluate the ethical validity of research projects involving or concerning human subjects. Before beginning their research projects, CHU Sainte-Justine researchers must submit their projects to the REB in order to obtain ethical approval.
The REB must also ensure ongoing review of approved research projects. Lastly, it must serve to educate researchers and hospital staff.
What projects must be evaluated by the REB?
All research projects involving human subjects (including, for example, human tissue) that take place inside or outside the CHU Sainte-Justine must be evaluated by the REB:
- if they are carried out by a CHU Sainte-Justine researcher
- if they involve CHU Sainte-Justine patients or employees
What does an REB evaluation involve?
The REB examines the scientific validity, feasibility and relevance of a project. It also reviews participant recruitment strategies, compliance with free participation, project risks and benefits, methods of ensuring the confidentiality of the participants’ personal data and the quality of the consent form.