Ethical review is a vital part of research, protecting participant wellbeing and upholding trust in science. As the ethics landscape shifts in BC and Canada, professionals need a forum where they can come together to discuss emerging trends and share best practices.

To fulfill that need, the Research Ethics Board Administrator (REBA) Harmonization and Education Event brought together 40 attendees from 27 research ethics boards across BC. Held on June 6, the in-person event sought to strengthen connections between REBAs, advance harmonization efforts, and open dialogue on artificial intelligence, Indigenous research ethics, and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in ethics.

“It’s so important for the community to come together for open dialogue and knowledge sharing,” said Alison Orth, Portfolio Director, Clinical Trials British Columbia. “Our conversations bridge gaps and inform ongoing work to strengthen harmonization across the province.”

When asked what they found most valuable, many REBAs highlighted the value of in-person networking and the opportunity to reconnect with their colleagues, new and old.

This year’s event was co-organized by Michael Smith Health Research BC (Health Research BC), UBC, UBC Okanagan and Interior Health, with funding support from Health Research BC and the BC SUPPORT Unit. Presenters highlighted changes in ethics at the provincial and national level, the importance of building meaningful partnerships, and the growing role of the harmonization initiative in streamlining ethics reviews across BC.

As the province’s health research environment continues to evolve, harmonization is crucial in making multi-site studies more timely and effective while strengthening research ethics capabilities through shared education, training and resources.

Thank you to the organizing committee for making the event a success:

• Alison Orth, Clinical Trials British Columbia
• Dorothy Herbert, Research Ethics Board, Interior Health
• Gillian Corless, Reconciliation and Development, Health Research BC
• Jessica Chu, research ethics, Clinical Trials British Columbia
• Kristine Ho, Communications, Health Research BC
• Lisa Shearer, Office of Research Services, University of British Columbia Okanagan
• Maria Valente, Office of Research Ethics, University of British Columbia
• Pia Ganz, Office of Research Ethics, University of British Columbia
• Rachel Chan, research ethics, Clinical Trials British Columbia