If a research project involves animals, human subjects or biohazardous materials, the researcher must apply for appropriate approval.
This detailed process involves review by committee or a board and may require changes to the proposal. Ethical approval is required prior to study commencement.
Any research that includes human participants and is conducted at UBC facilities (including UBC-affiliated hospitals) or by persons connected to the University must be reviewed and approved by one of UBC’s six sanctioned Research Ethics Boards (REBs).
Visit the UBC Office of Research Ethics for more on:
Researchers at our Okanagan campus can visit the Okanagan Campus Behavioural Research Ethics Board webpage for deadlines and board membership information.
Any activities conducted at UBC facilities or affiliated institutions involving biohazardous materials must be reviewed and approved by the UBC Biosafety Committee prior to the start of the research project.
All faculty members, Principal Investigators and co-Investigators are required to file a COI/COC declaration within 30 days of joining UBC, and at least annually thereafter.
All investigators applying for, holding or working on studies that are subject to the US Financial Conflict of Interest Regulations including Public Health Service and National Institute of Health funded research must comply with specific financial conflict of interest and training requirements.
Learn more about financial COI compliance for US Public Health Service Agencies.
The University of British Columbia supports the dedicated scientists who work with animals and respects the unique contribution these animals make to benefit the health of humans and animals.
Our investigators, veterinarians and animal care technicians are all committed to humane animal care and developing research methods that reduce, refine and replace the use of animals, wherever possible. The University complies with national and institutional standards of animal care set by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
The Animal Care Committee is responsible for ensuring that all UBC animal researchers conform to the mandatory guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care through the University’s animal ethics review process and post-approval monitoring of all studies as well as the facilities where these studies occur. The Committee is mandated to safeguard the welfare of animals involved in research and teaching at UBC and at all affiliated locations.
Animal Care Services provides services in support of the UBC Animal Care and Use Program including research support, veterinary services, compliance, training, procurement, animal housing, technical services and administrative support.
For more information about the Animal Care Committee or Animal Care Services, please visit the UBC Animal Care and Use Program site.
UBC has earned a reputation for transparency regarding its use of animals in research. Comprehensive information is available at http://animalresearch.ubc.ca/.