What happens to your application once it is submitted?
Once you submit your protocol application, it is placed in the queue for review. We are unable to guarantee turnaround times. If your research is above minimal risk, the Ethics Officer will contact you to let you know. Only fully-developed and complete applications will be placed on the upcoming agenda.
The ethics review is a potentially time-consuming process which should be fully engaged with and not left to the last minute. A high-quality research ethics application requires time and careful planning. Researchers are strongly advised to allow sufficient time to develop a well-designed ethics application that addresses all relevant ethical issues. It is recommended that you allow at 20-30 business days for the minimal-risk review process.
The UFV HREB receives approximately 100 new applications and 80 amendments a year.
These timeframes below apply to ‘review ready’ applications, namely applications that have been submitted to a high-quality standard, have complete supporting documents, and are fully developed.
Applications received in July, August, or December may be delayed due to limited capacity.
Minimal risk submissions (Initial Review - minimum 15 business days)
- Minimal risk submissions take a minimum of 15 business days for the HREB to review and send you any necessary revisions. Once you resubmit revisions to the HREB, approval is then usually given within 10 business days unless further revisions are required.
Higher risk submissions (Initial Review - minimum 20-25 business days)
- High risk applications must first have been through a peer-reviewed process.
- If a high risk protocol was submitted to the HREB by the deadline, it will be reviewed at the regular scheduled meeting two weeks later. The application must be fully developed and complete. Incomplete submissions will not be put onto the agenda.
- After the meeting, revisions will be sent within 5-10 business days.
- If a student is engaging in high risk research, they must demonstrate to the HREB how they are fully trained and experienced to take on such a project and must have full support and guidance from their supervisor.
Students:
UFV has a high number of undergraduate student research proposals. We do our best to prioritize these given the tight timelines but turnaround time is not guaranteed.
Please contact us if you have questions or concerns
