Research Ethics Board

Ensure Ethical Research with Confederation College's Research Ethics Board

Confederation College's Research Ethics Board (REB) is responsible for ensuring that any research involving human subjects conforms to ethical standards outlined in the college's Ethics Guidelines & Review Process for Research Involving Human Subjects policy. The REB operates on a monthly schedule during the academic year and accepts Ontario College's Multi-site application. Applications must be received by the REB Coordinator at least 7 calendar days prior to the meeting. The REB serves as a consultative body to the college's research community and contributes to education in research ethics. The board has a responsibility for independent, multidisciplinary review of the ethics of research to determine if research projects should start or continue.

REB (Research Ethics Board) 

Our REB meets once a month during the Academic year, but does not meet during July and August (reviews may take longer due to this fact). Confederation College does accept the Ontario College's Multi-site application. 

In order for your application to be considered, the REB Coordinator must receive it -- and all supporting documentation -- a minimum of 7 calendar days prior to the meeting.

One copy of the application and supporting documentation should be delivered or emailed to REB Chair Don Duclos ([email protected] ) in the Registrar's Office, Room A113, P.O. Box 398, 1450 Nakina Drive, Thunder Bay, ON  P7C 4W1. Any applications received after a submission deadline will be considered at next available REB meeting.

What we do

Confederation's Research Ethics Board (REB) is accountable to ensure any and all research involving human subjects conforms to the ethical standards outlined in the college policy Ethics Guidelines & Review Process for Research Involving Human Subjects. The REB helps ensure ethical principles are used in research projects involving human subjects. When research involves human subjects, there are several guiding ethical principles:

  • Respect for human dignity;
  • Respect for free and informed consent;
  • Respect for vulnerable persons;
  • Respect for privacy and confidentiality;
  • Respect for justice and inclusiveness;
  • Balancing harms and benefits - minimizing harm, maximizing benefit.

The REB serves Confederation College’s research community as a consultative body, and thus contributes to education in research ethics. It also has responsibility for independent, multidisciplinary review of the ethics of research to determine if research projects should start or continue.