Research Ethics Board
Research involving people must follow strict national guidelines to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of participants. As required by Canadian regulations, every research study involving human participants must be reviewed and approved by a Research Ethics Board (REB) before it can begin.
What Does the REB Do?
The REB is an independent committee made up of experts in science, ethics, law, and members of the community. Its job is to make sure that research:
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Meets national ethical and regulatory standards
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Protects participants’ rights, safety, and privacy
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Provides clear and complete information to participants
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Includes fair and voluntary informed consent processes
The REB carefully reviews each research study before it starts and continues to monitor it throughout. This includes reviewing how personal health information is used and how participants are informed about the research.
At Lakeridge Health, our REB reports directly to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that research practices align with the highest ethical standards and organizational governance.
Institutional Authorization
Before any research study begins at Lakeridge Health, our Research Office confirms that it meets all ethical, regulatory, and institutional requirements through a formal Institutional Authorization process. This ensures that:
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REB review and ongoing approval has taken place
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Staff have completed required training and regulatory compliance
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Study personnel are properly credentialed
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Contracts and legal agreements are in place
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A Department Impact Assessment has been completed, confirming that all resources and services from departments such as pharmacy, imaging, and pathology are in place, ensuring the study runs smoothly without interruptions for participants
This process ensures studies are conducted safely and responsibly, giving participants confidence that their care and information are protected.
Why It Matters for Patients
REB review, Institutional Authorization, and regulatory compliance are key parts of responsible research. They ensure that participants are treated with respect, that risks are minimized, and that studies are conducted according to Canada’s highest ethical standards.
Our research is guided by the core principles of TCPS 2:
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Respect for Persons – Your autonomy and informed consent are protected
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Concern for Welfare – Risks are minimized and your well-being is prioritized
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Justice – Participation is fair and benefits are shared equitably
At Lakeridge Health, these processes and principles ensure that participants are safe, supported, and treated ethically throughout their research experience.
Meeting Dates
The REB meets 11 times a year to review new and ongoing studies, and to assess adverse events to ensure that research continues to meet ethical and safety standards.
Current schedule:
| SUBMISSION DUE DATE | REB MEETING DATE |
| December 16, 2024 | January 06, 2025 |
| January 20, 2025 | February 03, 2025 |
| February 17, 2025 | March 03, 2025 |
| March 24, 2025 | April 07, 2025 |
| April 21, 2025 | May 05, 2025 |
| May 19, 2025 | June 02, 2025 |
| June 13, 2025 | June 23, 2025 |
| August 25, 2025 | September 08, 2025 |
| September 22, 2025 | October 06, 2025 |
| October 20, 2025 | November 03, 2025 |
| November 17, 2025 | December 01, 2025 |
| December 15, 2025 | January 05, 2026 |
Study Approval Process at Lakeridge Health
In addition to REB review, all research studies at Lakeridge Health must undergo Administrative review. This includes evaluating departmental impact, resource and funding requirements, and executing any necessary agreements such as research contracts or data-sharing agreements. Research team members must also complete mandatory training and credentialing. Once all reviews and approvals are complete, the study is submitted for Institutional Approval (IA). A formal "Notification to Commence" is issued once IA is granted, and no study activities may begin until this notification is received.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about the Lakeridge Health REB, or if you have questions, please contact:
Lori-Ann Larmand
Research Liaison/REB Coordinator
Lakeridge Health
1 Hospital Court
Oshawa, ON
L1G 2B9
Tel: 905-576-8711 ext. 32745
Email: Lori-Ann Larmand, REB@lh.ca
Contact Us
Lakeridge Health
905-576-8711