Research ethics review is a process of initial and ongoing review and monitoring of research involving human participants.

The process requires the independent evaluation of all proposed research by an independent committee of experts who examine the research study from the perspective of prospective participants. Their assessment of a proposed study's ethical acceptability is guided by the core principles of research ethics (i.e., respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice).

The underlying value of research ethics review is respect for human dignity. The review process ensures that research involving humans is sensitive to the inherent worth of all human beings and the respect and consideration they are due. 

Research Ethics Boards

Research Ethics Boards (REBs) are independent committees established by the University and in partnership with its affiliated hospitals and research institutes. Acting on behalf of these institutions, REBs are authorized to review the ethical acceptability of research and to approve, reject, propose modifications to, or terminate any proposed or ongoing research involving human participants. 

UBC’s REBs are independent of the parent institution(s) in their decision-making, and they are required to operate free of inappropriate influence, including situations of real, potential or perceived conflict of interest. The parent institution(s) may not override REB decisions concerning the ethical acceptability of a study.

UBC’s REBs meet all requisite criteria for an authorized research ethics board, pursuant to the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS), the International Conference on Harmonization Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (ICH-GCP) and the requirements of the US Department of Health and Human Services, as set out in the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, 45CFR Part 46, sub-part A. 

The mandate of the REBs at UBC is:

"To assist the University and its affiliated hospitals and agencies to create a research environment in which human subjects are protected and to ensure responsibilities are discharged according to the relevant ethical standards, by promoting awareness of research ethics amongst faculty, staff and students, by independently reviewing research studies in accordance with the guiding ethical principles of the Tri-Council Policy Statement, and to put into place mechanisms for the protection of human participants in ongoing research conducted under the auspices of the University of British Columbia."