The Research Ethics System is the University's online system that supports the development of study protocols along with the review and notification of ethical clearance.
Log into the system using your WatIAM credentials. If you are not a Waterloo member, please contact researchethics@uwaterloo.ca to request access.
Please use current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge when using the system.
Updates| New Resources| Questions| Need Help
Updates
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As of March 18, 2024, a single ethics review model for minimal risk research (TCPS 2, 8.1) will be followed by the University of Waterloo research ethics boards for studies involving multiple REBs or multiple institutions. Please see multi-jurisdictional research and research ethics review guideline and contact Research Ethics for more information about how this might apply to your research.
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The Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS2, 2022) was released with updates in January 2023. Refer to the February 8, 2023 memo outlining the major changes.
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By December 31, 2023, all researchers will be required to complete the TCPS2 Course on Research Ethics (CORE) 2022 tutorial before submitting a research ethics application on which they are named. The tutorial has been updated and includes a section on research involving Indigenous Peoples. See requirement for Human Research Ethics Training for more information. If you have already completed the TCPS2 2022 tutorial it does need to be completed again.
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Read the Winter 2023 bulletin.
New Resources
The following resources are new or have been updated:
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Guideline on securing human research participant information and data (September 2024)
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Guideline for submitting a modification (amendment) in the online system (September 2024)
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Guideline for conducting research when participants are part of an organization or group (July 2024)
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Video for submitting an ethics application in the online system (October 2023) (YouTube Video)
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Guideline for Collecting Demographic Information From Study Participants (February 2023)
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Guideline on Retention of Study Information and Data (February 2023)
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Recruitment Materials (February 2023)
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Information-consent Samples (February 2023)
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Feedback and Appreciation Letters and Documents (February 2023)
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Using Plain Language in Participant Materials (November 2022)
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Research with Indigenous Peoples (June 2022)
Questions?
Contact Research Ethics.
Need help?
Book a consultation to discuss your study.
FAQ for using the Research Ethics System or view the Research Ethics System training guide.
Updated July 18, 2023