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| COVID-19 Information| Questions| Need Help
Updates
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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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Guidelines 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)
Research Ethics Review During COVID-19 Pandemic (updated January 6, 2023)
- As per the memo issued on January 5, 2023, wearing a mask continues to be strongly encouraged for everyone at the University in all indoor spaces.
- Researchers and participants are encouraged to continue to wear tight-fitting, well-constructed masks for studies particularly those involving vulnerable populations, healthcare settings, or extended periods of close contact between researchers and/or participants. There is value in wearing a mask to help limit the spread of a variety of illnesses from COVID-19 to the common cold.
- When conducting studies off-campus, researchers are to respect the mask wearing requirements or expectations within that setting and be prepared to continue wearing a mask when visiting or working in that location.
- Researchers are to continue to have medical masks available for use by study participants or members of the research team.
- If public health conditions change, the University may broaden mask requirements on campus.
- Researchers are encouraged to continue following the practices described in their existing COVID-19 safety plan to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission even though these plans are no longer required. Refer to the University's guidance on COVID-19 health and safety.
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 March 10, 2023
