What information is required for an ethics submission?
Follow the Committee Review Sheet to ensure you have included all required documentation. Click here for the Committee Review Sheet.
Click here for the forms
Which forms do I have to fill out?
Research Ethics Submission Form and 2. Checklist for Submission
How many copies of the proposal do I have to submit?
For an expedited review you need to submit 1 original and 2 copies. For a full review you need to submit 1 original and 11 copies.
How do I know whether it is an expedited review or full review?
An expedited review involves a minimal risk application and a full review involves science concerns that have to be dealt with. The standard of minimal risk is commonly defined as follows: if potential participants can reasonably be expected to regard the probability and magnitude of possible harms implied by participation in the research to be no greater than those encountered by the participant in those aspects of his or her everyday life that relate to the research, then the research can be regarded as within the range of minimal risk.
What is the definition of "minimal risk"?
The Tri-Council Policy Statement defines the standard of minimal risk of harm as follows: "if potential subjects can reasonably be expected to regard the probability and magnitude of possible harms implied by participation in the research to be no greater than those encountered by the subject in those aspects of his or her everyday life that relate to the research then the risk can be regarded as within the range of minimal risk.”
When does a proposal have to be submitted?
The deadlines for submissions and schedule of Research Ethics Board meeting dates can be found here
How long will it take the committee to review an expedited proposal and get back to me?
Expedited does not necessarily mean faster, and a project/proposal is considered for full review ONLY if the project is more than minimal risk. For an expedited proposal, the committee will respond within three weeks of submission (approximately fifteen working days). either granting approval or requesting a resubmission for further clarification.
How long will it take the committee to review a full review proposal?
The proposal will be submitted three weeks prior to the scheduled meeting. Within 2-4 working days of that meeting, a response will be sent.
How long will it take to receive comments after revisions have been made to a proposal?
Revisions will be vetted within 10 working days after resubmission.
How often does the committee meet?
Once a month. The schedule of meetings can be found on here
Who is the Chair of the Research Ethics Board?
Dr. Lori Weeks.
What is the Chair’s e-mail address?
Please direct correspondence to lweeks@upei.ca
Where do I submit my proposal?
Proposals should be submitted to:
Office of Research and Development
University of Prince Edward Island
Kelley 236
550 University Ave., Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3
Who should I contact to find out if my proposal has been approved?
For information concerning your proposal please contact the Office of Research Development, Kelley 236, UPEI. Phone 620-5104.
How much role does methodology have in assessing ethical approval?
The greater the risk to participants, the more the Board will examine suspect methodology. The less risk, the less will be the concern of the Board.
How many copies of the Annual Renewal Form do I have to submit?
One (1) original and three (3) copies.
Do I need to submit an ethics form if I am only using secondary data?
Yes the Research Ethics Board reviews each case to ensure that the proposed use of data falls within the original information given to participants and is consistent with the consent provided by respondents. Ethics submissions for projects utilizing secondary data should include a copy of the consent form used in the original study. Principal investigators are encouraged to anticipate future use of their data when constructing the information and informed consent documents
