Research Ethics Board

The University Research Ethics Board (REB) is a committee that is established by the university and charged with ensuring compliance with the Tri Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct of Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2) and Policy R20.01, Simon Fraser University's policy and procedures for review of ethical considerations arising from research involving human participants. Per R20.01, the REB's management and operations are the responsibility of the Vice-President Research and Innovation, but it is independent in its decision-making authority.

Simon Fraser University Research Ethics Board Membership List

As at December 8, 2023

Compliance Assurances

The REB complies with the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46.103). These regulations state that every institution engaged in human subject research supported or conducted by the DHHS must have assurance of compliance approved by the US Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP/FDA).

Federalwide Assurance (FWA) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) assurances with OHRP/FDA have been obtained for both SFU and the SFU Research Ethics Board (REBs in Canada are referred to as IRBs in the US):

Institutional Organization: SFU (IORG0001878)

Assurance

• Type of Assurance: Federalwide Assurance for "Simon Fraser University"
• Assurance Number: FWA00002324
• Expiry Date: 4/5/2028

Assurance

• Type of Assurance: Federalwide Assurance for "Simon Fraser U IRB #1 - SFU Rsch Ethics Board"
• Assurance Number: IRB00002371
• Expiry Date: 10/25/2026

For details or confirmation of SFU approved OHRP/FDA assurances, go to the Office for Human Research Protections database and search by entering the IORG, FWA or IRB numbers.

Submission Criteria

A project will be reviewed only when the ORE determines that the information and materials submitted are sufficient to enable an informed review of the ethical acceptability of the research. Should information and materials be deemed insufficient, the application will be returned to the researcher for revisions.

Submission Deadlines

There are no deadlines for applications deemed to be minimal risk.  Minimal risk applications are reviewed by a delegated review pathway and in the order that they are received. Submissions that are deemed to be above minimal risk and require review by the Full Board must be received three weeks prior to the scheduled board meeting and must be deemed to be of sufficient quality to be considered for that month’s meeting. We strictly adhere to deadlines.

Meetings (full board)

The REB meets to review research studies every other month. These meetings are closed to the public.