The Research Ethics Board reviews the ethical acceptability of all research involving humans conducted within the jurisdiction or under the auspices of SFU, that is, by their faculty, staff or students, regardless of where the research is conducted. The REB is independent in decision making relating to the ethical review of research but is accountable to the institution for the process of research ethics review. The REB is supported by Research Ethics administration.
Review process and timelines
Research ethics review is a multi-step and ongoing process. Review turnaround times (for initial submissions, resubmissions, amendments, and renewals) may vary due to a variety of factors such as the quality of the submission, availability of reviewers, the volume of applications submitted, the level of risk associated with the research project, and the complexity of the application.
A project will be reviewed only when it has been determined that the information and materials submitted are sufficient to enable an informed review of the ethical acceptability of the research. Should information and materials be deemed insufficient, the application will be returned to the researcher for revisions.
It is not possible to guarantee review turnaround times or accommodate requests for urgent reviews except in exceptional circumstances (i.e., unforeseen circumstances that arise under a research protocol that require immediate consideration). Exceptional circumstances do not include research deadlines or timelines known well in advance (e.g., course timelines).
It is the Principal Investigator’s responsibility to ensure that the research team is able to meet any time sensitive deadlines (e.g., conducting research at an event that is scheduled in advance) and that projects are feasible to complete within restricted timeframes (e.g., course-based research projects).
Submissions are dealt with in the order in which they were received. Please only follow up with status enquiries once the timelines below have expired.
INITIAL REVIEW
Minimal Risk projects – 15-20 business days (*if minimal risk projects are referred to the Full Board or require additional expertise to assist with the review, the turnaround time will increase). There are no deadlines for applications deemed to be minimal risk which are reviewed via a delegated review pathway and in the order that they are received.
Above Minimal Risk projects – the turnaround time will substantially increase as these studies are reviewed at scheduled Full Board meetings – allow at least 10 days from the date of the meeting at which the project is reviewed to receive a response. ABOVE MINIMAL RISK PROJECTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND MUST BE DEEMED OF SUFFICIENT QUALITY TO BE PLACED ON THE MEETING AGENDA.
POST APPROVAL ACTIVITIES
Amendments – 5-10 business days
Annual renewals – 5-10 business days. The Kuali system sends out automated reminders 60 days, 45 days and 14 days ahead of the current approval's expiry date. It is expected that the Principal Investigator will respond to this notice in a timely fashion and well ahead of the approval expiry date either by submitting an application for renewal or by notifying the REB of the closure of the study.