Application Process

The UBC PHC Research Ethics Board (UBC PHC REB) requires that all applications be submitted electronically through the Researcher Information Services system (RISe). This is a web based system used by all of the UBC Research Ethics Boards to process applications for ethical review of research involving human subjects. It is a secure online document management system. All submissions and department approvals of ethics applications to any of the UBC-affiliated REBs must use RISe. All amendments, renewals, and requests for acknowledgment to previously approved applications must also use RISe.

The Process of Obtaining Study Approval (pdf)

1. Register with RISe
If you are a first-time user, please register with RISe. All researchers and study personnel must have a Campus Wide Login (CWL) and Password and a 'Researcher Number'.

The instructions on the use and application of RISe are found on the RISe Welcome Page as well as embedded within the application itself. This is also where you can familiarize yourself with RISe through tutorials and the test site ("sandbox") where you can try out RISe without using any live data.

2. Complete the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2) Online Tutorial
The TCPS2 tutorial 'CORE' (Course in Research Ethics) is available at the following links, English Version / French Version. This free interactive online tutorial can be completed in approximately two hours and is necessary for conducting research in Canada. It provides an essential orientation to the Tri Council Policy Statement. A certificate is available in English or French for printing upon completion.

All non-faculty personnel associated with a research project and who have contact with research subjects are required to complete the tutorial before an application is submitted to the REB. This includes (but is not limited to) undergraduate and graduate students, medical residents, research assistants, research coordinators, etc. Principal Investigators must also be familiar with the TCPS and are advised to also complete the tutorial, especially if supervising or teaching classes for graduate students or medical residents. 

Any Research Ethics Board reserves the right to request that other individuals (e.g., medical students) also complete this tutorial before approving an ethics application.

Before You Apply:

Should I Apply for Ethical Review?
Ethical Review Fees
FAQ's & Application Tips