As of today (26 Mar 2020):
- All of the staff are working remotely per the University's directive and, subject to staff and reviewer availability, we will be able to conduct most of our business remotely during the public health emergency.
- We are continuing to review submissions as they are received so that researchers will be able to continue their research once the University/AHS resumes normal operations.
- However, ethics approval does not guarantee that researchers will be able to conduct their research as outlined. Researchers must comply with all University of Alberta and AHS/Covenant Health guidance (as applicable) during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- COVID research applications will be prioritized.
- An emergency REB has been constituted and will conduct a virtual review of studies that require review by the full board. This Committee will be meeting on the regularly scheduled REB 4 Wednesday meeting dates and will convene additional meetings as needed.
If researchers require assistance with creating an ethics application, help is available through QMCR. Please contact Scott Jamieson (scott.jamieson@ualberta.ca).