Research Ethics Education
Research Ethics Education
There are many options available for students, faculty and staff to learn about research ethics and making requests for REB clearance:
In-Class
Instructors are encouraged to share some key information with their students focusing on core research ethics principles, the importance of informed consent and researchers delivering promises made to research participants.
Applicants are encouraged ask their questions and seek consultation with their prepared draft documents at the Office of Research Ethics, Atrium 210 D before their initial review submissions and throughout the life cycle of their research studies. Consultation office hours are Tuesday/Thursdays 1 am - 3 pm.
Graduate Students
The annual Graduate Student Orientation includes a presentation covering research ethics. Please refer to the Graduate Studies Orientation Handbook, Sections 7.0-7.6 for information on the SMU Research Ethics Board's requirements. If you have any questions, please call or visit the Office of Research Ethics (ethics@smu.ca, 420-5728, Atrium 210 D). Consultation office hours are Tuesday/Thursdays 1-3 pm.
New Faculty
The annual New Faculty Orientation includes a presentation covering research ethics. Please refer to your New Faculty Orientation Handbook, Sections 10.0-10.6 for information on the SMU Research Ethics Board's requirements. If you have any questions, please call or visit the Office of Research Ethics (ethics@smu.ca, 420-5728, Atrium 210 D). Consultation office hours are Tuesday/Thursdays 1-3 pm.
The Panel on Research Ethics highly recommends the completion of the online course on Research Ethics, TCPS 2: 2022- CORE (Course on Research Ethics). The Office of Research Ethics has relating course packs of "CORE" to faculty members who are working on their curriculums and to help with time management and familiarization of the content at the onset, as well as consults on the relevance of the TCPS 2, 2022. The Research Ethics Officer routinely works with faculty members to create a fitting session. Please contact or drop by the Office of Research Ethics when needed and for a relating consultation.
The Panel of Research Ethics shares a growing collection of its responses to written requests for interpretation of the Policy. Researchers are advised to utilize the Glossary section of the TCPS 2, 2022 to locate terms and definitions. Specifically, the definition of Information (Types) that helps gain an understanding what type of information the researcher plans on collecting from research participants as defined in this Policy. The aim is to gain skills in using a common language between research participants, REBs, researchers and the public.
Faculty Council
Faculty council meetings include an overview on current events, education and challenges surrounding research ethics and the SMU research community. Please contact the Research Ethics Officer for an update and to provide feedback at any time.
Online Tutorial
The purpose of the online tutorial TCPS 2: 2022-CORE (Course on Research Ethics) for the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2) is to help educate the research community about the principles, standards and procedures for governing research involving human participants. It also facilitates the use, interpretation and implementation of the TCPS 2.
CORE provides an applied approach to the guidance provided in TCPS 2. This self-paced 10 Module course is a media-rich learning experience that features interactive exercises and multi-disciplinary examples. It is designed primarily for the use of researchers and REB members, though anyone may take this course and print their own Certificate of Completion.
Researchers who plan to work with First nations data are highly recommended to complete the The Fundamentals of OCAP® online training. This self-guided course takes learners through modules that are designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of OCAP®, information governance, and First Nations data sovereignty.
Who should do the tutorial(s)?
- Researchers
- Supervisors of Research
- Research Ethics Board (REB) members and Administrators
- Research Administrators
- Students who may undertake research involving humans in the future
- Faculty members who may supervise student research in the future
- Actual or potential participants of research
- Members of the general public
- Policy Analysts
SMU Research Ethics Board Website
The Research Ethics Board's website is continuously updated with guidance and the research community's Frequently Asked Questions.
Office of Research Ethics
For guidance, please call or visit the Office of Research Ethics, located in the Atrium Building, Room 210 D (ethics@smu.ca, 420-5728). Consultation office hours are Tuesday/Thursdays 1-3 pm.