Research Ethics Board Membership

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GBC Research Ethics Board

The George Brown Polytechnic Research Ethics Board (GBC REB) is responsible for reviewing the ethical acceptability of all research involving humans conducted within the jurisdiction or under the auspices of GBC.  This applies to all GBC employees or students, regardless of where research is conducted, in accordance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans – TCPS2 (2022). This includes reviewing the ethical acceptability of research involving humans conducted by researchers external to the GBC community if that research involves GBC employees or students as participants. The GBC REB members are expected to carry out their roles effectively and apply the core principles of the TCPS – respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice – to the ethics review of research activities.

The REB is governed by the college's Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans Policy.

GBC REB Members

Current REB Members

Jennifer Mitsche, M.A. (Chair)
Professor, Department of English & Communications
Faculty of Community and Social Services, and Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies

Eugene Badal, M.B.A.
Professor, Chef School
Faculty of Business, Creative Industries and Culinary Arts

Heather Lash, M.S.W. candidate
Community Member

Jacob Bakan, M.A., LL.B.
Community Member

Laura Bevacqua, M.A.
Professor, School of Work & College Prep
Faculty of Community and Social Services, and Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies

Milan Shahani, B.A, M.F.A.
Professor, School of Fashion Studies
Faculty of Business, Creative Industries and Culinary Arts

Przemyslaw Pawluk, M.Sc.
Professor, School of Technology
Faculty of Business, Creative Industries and Culinary Arts

Administrators

Dr. Alexandra Hernandez, M.A., Ph.D.
Program Manager, Ethics
Office of Research & Innovation

Baaba Lewis, B. Comm.
REB Coordinator
Office of Research & Innovation

Join the GBC REB

The GBC REB strives to be welcoming and approachable while working collaboratively with researchers to promote and ensure the ethical conduct of research involving human participants. The GBC REB Terms of Reference provides a full description of the role and responsibilities of GBC REB members. To request a copy of the GBC REB Terms of Reference, contact researchethics@georgebrown.ca.

The call for GBC REB members is currently OPEN. For more details, visit our main page. 

GBC is committed to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment. We actively seek and encourage applications Indigenous, Black and racialized people, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, all genders, and people with disabilities.

REB Membership Details

Membership Eligibility

GBC REB members are GBC employees or community members. Each GBC REB member is nominated by the GBC REB Chair, approved by the Associate Vice-President, Research & Innovation and appointed by the Provost or their delegate.. In appointing and renewing GBC REB members, the Provost will consider the qualifications and expertise needed to enable the GBC REB to fulfil its mandate.

Qualifications

At a minimum, all GBC REB members must complete the TCPS-2: CORE-2022 (Course on Research Ethics). Previous research experience – particularly experience as a principal investigator of a funded research project – is an asset. Additional qualifications or training may be required depending on the specific role of the member. 

Responsibilities

GBC REB members must commit to the following:  

  • Complete onboarding training and review relevant documentation including GBC REB standard operating procedures
  • Prepare for, attend and participate in regular meetings
  • Review REB applications
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding all REB discussions and documentation

The time required to review materials and participate as an active REB member varies depending on the number and complexity of applications submitted.

Membership Term

Each GBC REB member is appointed for a two-year term, renewable for a maximum of three terms (six years total).

Compensation

To effectively fulfil their duties, full-time employes who join the GBC REB will be granted time for REB activities as part of their assigned workload (Standard Workload Formula or equivalent). Part-time employees will be compensated for their time. Community members are usually volunteers, but may be compensated for their time depending on specific circumstances.