Saint Mary’s University (Human Research Ethics Board Community Member)

• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Family-oriented volunteering

The Saint Mary’s University (SMU) Human Research Ethics Board is a volunteer committee made up of SMU graduate students, staff, faculty and members of the community dedicated to protecting the well-being of research participants.  We work to ensure respect, concern for welfare and justice for those who participate in research locally and internationally. Currently, the Board is seeking community members.  Community members are not affiliated with SMU.  Training and guidance is available throughout the membership with us. Membership duties involve assessing research projects (1-2 reviews per month) from an ethical perspective, reflecting on the likely reaction of research participants, the consent process being informed and meaningful to research participants, and to participate in Board meetings. Board members work with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2, 2022), complete the required Course on Research Ethics (CORE-2022) online tutorial, sign a Confidentiality Agreement, and attend scheduled Board meetings (October 27, 2023, November 24, 2023, January 19, 2024, February 23, 2024, March 22, 2024, April 26, 2024).  All meetings are held on Fridays at 1 pm. Qualifications needed include a commitment to bringing a public perspective from outside the research community to help the Board achieve its mandate and interest to broaden the Board’s approach to its responsibilities, empathy for research participants, open mindedness, curiosity, and reliability. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer community Board representative please send your questions, cover letter and CV outlining your interest including and any relevant experience/skills/knowledge that you offer.  Please email your questions or application to Orshy Torok, Research Ethics Officer, Saint Mary’s University at ethics@smu.ca