Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (HSREB)

As per Senate Bylaw #1: 

Terms of Reference 

6.9.2. Research Ethics Boards

To ensure compliance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) requiring the independence of decision-making by the Research Ethics Boards (REBs) regarding research ethics protocols that come before them for review and approval, institutional senior administrators shall not serve on the REBs. The REBs shall have diverse representation across all Faculties at the University. The specific composition of each REB will be in keeping with the TCPS guidelines as also outlined in the Senate policy governing the ethical conduct for research involving human participants. TMU’s REBs’ membership lists are presented by the REGC to Senate annually. Senate may approve or reject the lists in their entirety, but may not alter the lists.

6.9.3. Terms of Reference for REB(s): 

6.9.3.1. to protect research participants and ensure that research is conducted in an ethical manner; and 

6.9.3.2. to review and evaluate the research ethics of all proposed or ongoing research

involving human participants that is conducted within or under the jurisdiction or

auspices of Toronto Metropolitan University. No research involving human participants

shall be undertaken without the prior written approval of the REB(s);

Reporting:

The REGC reports to Senate regarding the regular business of the REBs. The REGC shall present an

annual report to Senate that includes overall statistics related to REB reviews and any challenges

experienced by the REBs in executing their mandate. The REGC in consultation with relevant

stakeholders directs to the SRCAC recommendations regarding policy changes or proposed changes to the REBs terms of reference or composition.

Composition

Per Policy 51, Section 6, Subsection 1.

1.2. The REBs are supported by the Vice-President, Research and Innovation to ensure compliance with federal policies and requirements. The REBs’ membership shall have representation across Faculties at the University and be diverse in sex and gender, with appropriate representation from racialized and other distinct communities.

In accordance with the TCPS, the REBs shall consist of: 

1.2.1.  a Chair (1) with experience in research ethics; 

1.2.2.  a Vice Chair (1) with experience in research ethics; 

1.2.3.  at least twelve (12) faculty members, including representation from across TMU Faculties as appropriate to ensure adequate expertise in relevant research disciplines, fields, and methodologies covered by the REB. Of these faculty members, at least three (3) will be members of the Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies; 

1.2.4.  at least one (1) member knowledgeable in ethics theory, knowledge, and practice; 

1.2.5.  at least one (1) member knowledgeable in relevant law (cannot be legal counsel or risk management representative for the university); 

1.2.6.  at least one (1) community member who has no current affiliation with the institution; 

1.2.7.  at least two (2) students and/or learners; 

1.2.8.  at least one (1) member who self identifies as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and/or who is informed in the traditional knowledge and culture of First Nations, Inuit or Métis peoples; 

1.2.9.  On the Health Sciences REB, at least two (2) clinical faculty members from the School of 

Medicine with relevant expertise and research experience.