Most research on human participants or their data requires research ethics review no matter the risk level of the activity. Research is defined as an “undertaking intended to extend knowledge through a disciplined inquiry and/or systematic investigation” (Tri-Council Policy Statement | TCPS2). Research participants are those whose “data, biological materials, or responses to interventions, stimuli, or question by a researcher are relevant to answering the research question(s)." Exemptions to the above are:
- Research that relies exclusively on publicly available information, such as Stats Canada or archival data. (Article 2.2)
- Research involving observation in public places (Article 2.3).
Non-Research Activities
There are also other activities that do not fit under the TCPS2 definition of research and do not require review. These include quality assurance and quality improvement (QA/QI) activities, program evaluations, some Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) activities, creative practice, and public health surveillance studies.
Although these activities may look like research and use typical research methods (surveys, interviews, etc.), because the purpose differs from the intent of research, they are outside the scope of research ethics board review. These activities may still raise ethical issues and careful consideration should be given by the project team.
Intent to Publish
The intent to publish your findings will not determine whether your study requires ethics review. Most journals ask for details of ethical approval or a statement that it was not required. If you wish to publish the results of an activity that did not require ethics review, explain that under Article 2.5 of the Tri-Council Policy Statement, QA/QI activities are not subject to institutional ethical review.
Please see the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Checklist for further information on what requires review.
Screening Tool for New Knowledge Creation Projects
(in pilot from September 2024 - February 2025)
UBC's Office of Research Ethics and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, along with Island Health and Research Ethics BC (REBC), are piloting a self-guided ethics screening tool designed to help researchers determine if their project requires research ethics review. The tool will help with projects undertaken in a clinical environment as well as in academic environments (e.g., for program evaluations, SoTL, and curriculum development projects). At this time, the tool is only available for academic applications. (For information about the clinical tool, please contact elizabeth.bennett@islandhealth.ca)
The tool provides:
- A risk assessment report based on the project information you provide
- A DRAFT exemption letter (if appropriate) that verifies your project is exempt.
- Instructions for proceeding with an ethics application, should one be required.
Note that until the pilot has concluded, the exemption letter should be considered as guidance only (it will be marked as a DRAFT). If you need an official letter, please contact the UBC-BREB office.
Open the Self-Guided Ethics Screening Tool
We would greatly appreciate your feedback on the screening tool. Please use the form provided: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erEcalE7SXh1IRE.