Human ethics

The Human Research Ethics (HRE) team at UVic manages the review of research activity that involves human participants and human biological materials.

We provide:

• research ethics advice
• education
• up-to-date regulatory information

We also give presentations to classes and can offer guidance to you and your students.

Useful resources:

• do I need human research ethics approval?
• how do I apply for human research ethics approval?
• human ethics resources
• Research Ethics BC harmonized review guidelines
• human research ethics FAQ

If you're not sure your project requires ethical approval, email us or call 250-472-4545 as soon as possible. Graduate students should note that failing to get research ethics approval could affect your ability to graduate. 

Policies

UVic is committed to supporting our researchers in their intellectual pursuits. We also recognize the need to protect the rights and interests of the public and individuals who take part in UVic research.

UVic policies and procedures that govern human-related research uphold the highest ethical standards. They act in accordance with Canada's tri-council policy statement on the ethical conduct for research involving humans (TCPS2).

UVic researchers must understand their responsibilities to UVic and the public. Familiarize yourself with the following before you start your research.

1. Board of Governors (BOG) research policy (policy RH8100) - sets out the manner in which research is conducted, supported and communicated at UVic.
2. BOG university regulations for research involving humans (policy RH8105) - delegates ethical review management and administration to the Office of Vice-President Research and the Human Research Ethics office. Procedures for conducting human research start on page 4. These procedures include detailed information about the administration of human research ethics at UVic.
3. internal guidelines for quality assessment of services and programs - these guidelines apply to internal quality assurance, performance review or testing within UVic. Note that these are guidelines, not a policy.

Federal policies

• Federal research ethics policy - tri-council policy statement on the ethical conduct for research involving humans (TCPS2)
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on roles and responsibilities in the management of federal grants and awards