Today@Dal

MEMORANDUM

TO: University Researchers Conducting Research Involving Humans

FROM: Catherine Connors, Director, Research Ethics

DATE: July 23, 2015

RE: Research Ethics – new application and submission process

New application forms have been developed to assist researchers and the research ethics boards in considering the ethical conduct of research involving humans. There are two application forms to reflect the different ethical considerations associated with:

1. Prospective research - where new data will be collected as part of the research.

2. Secondary use of information or biological materials – where existing information such as health records, student records, survey data, or biological material surplus to diagnostic exams or surgical procedures will be used for research.

These two application forms, associated application instructions and sample consent forms are now available on the Research Ethics website.

I am also pleased to announce that Research Ethics is now in a position to support a new submission process whereby researchers can submit an electronic version of their research ethics application package (paper copies will no longer be required). Again, the submission instructions are available on the website.

Note that new submissions completed on the old (2007) forms will continue to be accepted until the end of October. Updates made to previously submitted ethics application as the result of amendment requests from researchers will continue to be accepted on the old forms for the foreseeable future.

The annual/final report form has also been updated and will be accepted electronically; annual submission of consent material will no longer routinely be requested as part of this process.

As always, the research ethics team is available to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us:

Catherine Connors, Director PH: 902.494.1462 EMAIL: catherine.connors@dal.ca
Juliana Serroul, Manager PH: 902.494.3036 EMAIL: juliana.serroul@dal.ca
Sharon Gomes, Administrative Assistant PH: 902.494.3423 EMAIL: sharon.gomes@dal.ca