AU Research Ethics
Research Requiring Ethics Review
“…research projects involving human subjects or participants… conducted by members of the University community or by external researchers who use AU resources or participants must receive prior written approval of the AU Research Ethics Board (REB). The "University community" comprises all AU faculty, staff, research assistants, graduate students, and visiting researchers. Approval is required irrespective of the source of financial support (if any) and irrespective of the location of the project, in the latter case, so long as the investigator represents the work as AU research.”
(AU Policy for Research Involving Humans)
Exemptions
There are some cases for exemption from ethics review which are further detailed in the policy. Please contact the Research Ethics Administrator for confirmation of exemption prior to undertaking a study, or submit an Institutional Knowledge Project – Exemption Request Form
Review Options and Timing
Research ethics applications may be reviewed by the Research Ethics Board (REB), or may receive delegated review via the REB Chair or one of five departmental ethics review subcommittees (CDE, CIM, CIS, CGEAP, CNHS). The REB regularly meets once a month. The Chair and departmental subcommittees provide reviews when required.
Delegated reviews by the Chair or departmental subcommittees are limited to minimal risk projects, which have short time constraints—such as AU student research projects which must be completed within 3-month timeframe, or faculty projects that are designed to meet suddenly emergent opportunities. All other projects can be expected to go through the regular monthly REB meeting (which is generally held the third full week of the month). Researchers are advised to plan for a start date no earlier than the second week of the month following review (in case changes requiring further review are identified).
More Information
Applicants are invited to consult with the Research Ethics Administrator to explore solutions that will assist their application to move smoothly through the review process.
- Research Ethics Process at AU - Fall, 2005 presentation (Elluminate recording)
Student and Academic Services - Last Updated May 29, 2009, 11:29:10 MST/MDT
