Q: What research projects require an ethics application?
> Any research, including secondary data, that involves human participants or identifiable personal or organizational data from CSFS, or any of the Member Nations we serve, must obtain ethical approval from the CSFS REB before research begins.
Q: When should a research ethics application be submitted?
> We advise submitting applications at least one month before the research project's expected start date. This allows sufficient time for the REB to review the ethics application and gives applicants time to address any revisions the REB may request in order to receive full approval. Research cannot commence before the application is fully approved.
Q: How long does it take to receive a decision for research ethics approval?
> Ethics applications must be submitted, at minimum, one month before the research project’s expected start date. This means your project’s start date cannot be within the one-month duration when ethics is being reviewed. This allows sufficient time for the REB to review the ethics application and gives applicants time to address any revisions the REB may request in order to receive full approval.
*Research activities cannot commence before the application is fully approved
Q: How long is my ethics approval valid?
> CSFS REB ethics approvals are valid for one year from the date of approval.
Q: What do I do if my ethics approval expires before I have completed my research?
> You may renew your ethics approval by completing the CSFS Research Renewal Application.
Q: What do I do if my research data collection is done but not the analysis or dissemination?
> If you’ve finished collecting your research data but haven’t analyzed or shared the results yet, you must ensure you have valid ethics while you complete all research-related activities. You will need to complete the Research Renewal Process and select “Renewal” in the application to ensure you are following all ethical standards. Approved Renewals will be valid for 12 months from the date of approval.
Q: What do I do if I need to make a few changes to my research?
> If your ethics approval is still valid, you can apply for a Research Amendment. To do this, you will need to complete the Research Renewal Process and select “Amendment” in the application.
Approved amendments will expire at the same time as the initial ethics approval of the study. The amendment application will determine the extent of changes to the research. Depending on the nature of these changes, you may need to reapply for new ethics approval.
Q: Is there any required certification for my ethics application?
> Yes, research involving human participants requires the researcher to have TCPS2 certification, which must be appended to the application. Research involving the collection, analysis, and storage of First Nations data requires OCAP® certification, which must also be appended to the application. Anyone on the research team who interacts with participants or handles Indigenous data, as outlined above, must complete the required certification. These certifications help ensure that research is conducted ethically and with respect for the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants, and with due regard for the cultural sensitivities of community-led research.
Q: Can I save and edit my application?
> Yes, you can save and return to your application before you submit. Upon saving, you will be provided with a Return Code you will enter each time you continue with the application. After saving, you will have the option to have the application link emailed to you; however, for security purposes, your return code will not be included.
Q: I have completed my research project. What steps should I take next?
> Congratulations! Submitting a Study Closure Report is the next step to completing the research lifecycle with the REB. You must ensure you complete this report within six months of your project’s actual end date. This step is necessary to maintain good research conduct and avoid any breach of compliance with CSFS policies and Tri-Agencies.
Q: I started a Research Project with CSFS, but the project has been interrupted. What Steps should I take to address this situation?
> First, you need to assess the nature of the Stop:
Last modified: Tuesday 17-Jun-25 10:25:16 PDT
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