George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Research Ethics at George Brown
George Brown Polytechnic (GBP) is committed to ensuring that the rights of human participants in research are respected and protected and that research involving human participants is conducted ethically in accordance with the guidelines and standards of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans – TCPS2 (2022). All research involving human participants requires approval from the GBP Research Ethics Board (GBP REB) before any research activities begin.
Institutional Approval to Conduct Research is required for anyone who would like to engage in research activities at GBP or with members of the GBP community. GBP REB approval is required in addition to Institutional Approval for any research activities involving human participants. We recommend obtaining Institutional Approval prior to initiating the GBP REB approval process.
REB Applications
Information about the GBP REB application process and approval process.
REB Membership
Learn who the current GBP REB members are and find out how to become a GBP REB member.
Resources
Access key resources related to research ethics.
Check out the Research Ethics Board's frequently asked questions (FAQ) on applications, requirements and resources.
Does my project need ethics review?
If you are not sure whether you need REB approval for your project, please contact researchethics@georgebrown.ca. A member of our team will connect with you to learn more about your project and help you figure out whether REB approval is required.
Will my project require full REB review?
A risk assessment will be completed when your application is submitted to determine the type of REB review required. If you would like to know whether full board review will be required before you submit your application, please contact researchethics@georgebrown.ca. Check timelines for review.
Is any other type of approval, in addition to REB approval, required to conduct research at GBP?
Anyone who would like to conduct research at GBP must receive Institutional Approval to do so. If human participants are involved in the research activities, GBP REB approval is also required. We recommend seeking institutional approval prior to submitting your REB application. Please note that Institutional Approval to Conduct Research is separate and distinct from REB approval. Receiving Institutional Approval does not guarantee REB approval.
Do all researchers have to submit a TCPS2: CORE certificate of completion?
Yes, if a research project involves human participants then all named members of the research team have to submit a TCPS2: Course on Research Ethics (2022) certificate of completion prior to receiving GBP REB approval. Include the certificate of completion for each researcher with the REB application
How can I ensure my application is reviewed quickly?
Submit a complete application, including required supporting documentation, and ensure that your responses to each question are clear and concise. Applications with incomplete responses or insufficient detail usually require multiple requests for clarification, which leads to extended review timelines. Use plain language and avoid jargon. Proofread your application before submitting to ensure that there are no spelling or formatting errors, and check for consistency within and among the documents included with your application.
Visit the REB Application page for more information.
Will GBP consider REB approval from another institution?
Minimal risk applications that have received REB approval from another accredited Canadian postsecondary institution may undergo a streamlined delegated review by the GBP REB. Applicants must submit the REB approval letter(s) along with the full application, that was submitted to the other REB, including all supporting documentation and a copy of any feedback from or revisions required by the other REB. Additional information and/or revisions may be requested by the GBP REB during the streamlined review process.