Research Compliance Approvals

Explore the sections below to learn about navigating processes for Research Ethics Board Approval, Animal Care and Use, and Biosafety Permits to obtain research compliance approvals.

Research Ethics Board Approval

All research involving human participants is required to adhere to the national standards for research ethics as outlined in the Tri Council Policy Statement Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2). An overview on when REB approval is required can be found here.

Depending on the role of the Researcher, completion of a TCSP 2:CORE-2022 Certificate (Course on Research Ethics) may be required in order to obtain Research Ethics Board (“REB”) approval.  CORE-2022 consists of nine modules and a knowledge consolidation exercise which takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

NOSM University uses two REBs of Record where Researchers may apply to obtain REB approval for their research project. Click on the links below to learn more about the requirements for each REB of Record as it relates to submitting requests for REB approval.

• Lakehead University REB
• Laurentian University REB

Note: When applying for research ethics approval through Lakehead University or Laurentian University, you must submit your application through their ROMEO Research Portal system. The User Guide for their ROMEO systems can be found here. Please ensure you indicate “Faculty of Medicine” under the department in the ROMEO system.

• ROMEO Portal Laurentian University
• ROMEO Portal Lakehead University

Researchers are encouraged to reach out to the Research Services Office (research@nosm.ca) with any questions regarding where to obtain research ethics approval.

For a process map that outlines the approval steps taken after submitting your REB application, visit an infographic here.

Animal Care and Use

For all information related to NOSM University’s Animal Care and Use Program, please visit our Sharepoint site. Here you can find upcoming NOSM University Animal Care Committee meeting dates, approved policies, procedures and forms, and important contact information.

Biosafety Permits

Biosafety Permit applications must be submitted and receive approval before any work is conducted in the wet laboratory spaces.

Please follow the procedures and application process outlined in the applicable institutional program:

• Lakehead University Biosafety Program for laboratory work at the Thunder Bay NOSM U campus.
• Laurentian University Biosafety Program for laboratory work at the Sudbury NOSM U campus.

All approved applications, amendments and renewals must be forwarded to your campus’ Research Laboratory Coordinator for record keeping and compliance tracking.