Research Ethics :: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the REB?
Who can answer questions about Research Ethics at BCIT?
When do I need to apply to the REB?
When are the REB meetings held?
How long will the (REB) review process take?
I'm working with a principal investigator at another institution and he/she has Ethics Approval there. Do I need to get an approval here as well?
I'm just conducting a simple research protocol to answer a simple question(s), I don't need to get Ethics Approval for that, do I?
Do I need to renew my research plan (“protocol”) once it has been approved?

What is the REB?

“REB” is the acronym for the BCIT Research Ethics Board. Currently, the REB members deal with all the research involving human participants and/or research with potential conflict of interest.  [top] 

Who can answer questions about Research Ethics at BCIT?

Please contact Kathy Quee, the REB Chair, at kathy_quee@bcit.ca, or 604-451-6950  [top]

When do I need to apply to the REB?

If you are using one or more human participants in your research activities, under the auspices of BCIT, or in any way related to BCIT staff or students, you need to apply to the REB for Ethics Approval.

All research plans (“protocols”) or studies involving human participants carried out by an individual connected with BCIT must be reviewed and approved by the REB before work is started. (For clarification: The REB will also review your research project proposal, if there is a potential for conflict of interest issues).  [top]

When are the REB meetings held?

REB meetings are held every second month. 
Contact the REB Administrator at research_ethics@bcit.ca for further information.  [top]

How long will the (REB) review process take?

Submissions to REB will be acknowledged within five working days of being received. The Chair will determine if the application qualifies for a delegated or full review. If a full review is required the submission will be placed on the agenda of the next REB if received two weeks prior to the meeting. When a submission qualifies for a delegated review 2 REB members will provide feedback on the application. The Chair then compiles the member’s comments and communicates with the applicant. The applicant is required to edit the application based on comments for the REB prior to approval [top]

I'm working with a principal investigator at another institution and he/she has Ethics Approval there. Do I need to get an approval here as well?

Yes, BCIT has responsibility for research carried out by its faculty, on its premises, with funds administered by the Institute. Research plans (“protocols”) are required to meet community standards. Even though you have had ethics approval from another institution, you still have to apply and get approval from the BCIT Research Ethics Board. All faculty members or graduate students at BCIT are required to submit research plans (“protocols”) for review, regardless of where their research site(s) or participants are located.  [top]

I'm just conducting a simple research protocol to answer a simple question(s), I don't need to get Ethics Approval for that, do I?

Yes, all research involving human participants, including the use of questionnaires, must be reviewed by the Research Ethics Board. Research ethics is predicated on the fact that all research involves risk. Human participants are put at risk by participating in research. The risks range from stress resulting from being asked questions to possible physical harm from invasive medical testing. A fuller discussion of this topic can be found in the Tri-Council Policy Statement.  [top]

Do I need to renew my research plan (“protocol”) once it has been approved?

Yes, your research plan (“protocol”) must be renewed on an annual basis. Compliance with ethical guidelines in research requires that you report any adverse incidents during the research to the Research Ethics Board; and apply for renewal of approval, if research continues beyond one year.