This page contains important information helpful to graduate students embarking on research associated with their graduate studies. All University-based research involving human participants, whether funded or non-funded, faculty or student, scholarly, commercial or consultative, is subject to the ethics review process.
To first decide if your research is subject to review or not, please see the ethics review Tip Sheet and Ethics Roadmap Flowchart (© Cross Campus Capstone Classroom).
York University is committed to the highest standards of integrity in research. All projects involving the use of Human Subjects, Animals and Biohazardous Materials are subject to review by the appropriate University committee. York University has formulated policies for the conduct of research involving all three of these areas. It is the policy of the University that researchers conducting research involving human subjects, animals and/or biohazardous agents must obtain approval of their research from the relevant ethics committee prior to commencing research activities.
Graduate students undertaking research for graduate courses, major research papers, theses, or dissertations involving human participants are required to follow the appropriate procedures and obtain ethics approval before conducting research activities. Students must also maintain active registration status when submitting a research proposal and while conducting the approved research. The information below outlines the ethics protocols and procedures for each category of research.
Please carefully review the procedures that are relevant to your project, and ensure that you complete and submit all of the required documents along with your research proposal to your graduate program. Incomplete or illegible protocols will be returned to the student, which will delay the process. If you have further questions about research ethics review processes, consult Decision Chart- Full Board and Delegated Ethics Review Processes.
Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with FGS Ethics & Proposal Review Process at the start of their academic journey. It provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the student, program and supervisor/supervisory committee. Students should thoroughly review the guide before submitting their research proposal for FGS approval or requesting ethics approval from ORE. It should be used regularly as a roadmap for resources, responsibilities, and timelines.
Research Ethics Review and Approval: Forms and Processes
Contact
Faculty of Graduate Studies: Research Officer: FGSRO@yorku.ca
The Office of Research Ethics (ORE): ORE@yorku.ca
ORE Office Hour
The ORE will host virtual office hours (via Zoom) for students and faculty members who have questions about ethics applications for research involving human participants.
Their virtual office hours will be every Wednesday between 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. No appointment is necessary.
Zoom: Join the Meeting