As the new year rolls in, Clinical Trials British Columbia continues to integrate research ethics into its core mandate. This move further galvanizes the connection between BC’s research ethics community and the provincial clinical trials landscape.
This work involves coordinating and advancing the Research Ethics Harmonization Initiative and the BC Common Clinical Informed Consent Form (BC CCICF) Project and providing an enabling environment where those doing the work of research ethics can share insights, address challenges, and support one another.
Research ethics updates in BC will have a new home (and refreshed look!) on the Clinical Trials British Columbia website, bringing more visibility to the strong collaborative work of BC’s research ethics community.
Research Ethics Harmonization Initiative update
For more than 15 years, Health Research BC and its predecessor organizations have actively advanced ethics harmonization across the province. Today, Clinical Trials British Columbia continues to lead this important work. We support the harmonized model by coordinating collaborative efforts, engaging and convening the research ethics community, funding the Provincial Research Ethics Platform (PREP) and ensuring BC stays connected to national and international initiatives that enhance research ethics.
The BC Research Ethics Strategic Action Group (BC RE SAG) update
The BC RE SAG formed in October 2025 to identify key issues in the research ethics system in BC and recommend ways to strengthen it. The group is currently drafting a position paper to guide the next steps in improving the system.
BC Common Clinical Informed Consent Form (BC CCICF) Project
A provincial working group is updating the BC CCICF template and guidance documents to better reflect today’s health research environment in BC.
- The updated template strengthens alignment with provincial legislation, regulatory requirements, community needs, and best practices.
- The BC CCICF project is well underway. With approximately 65% of the initial review complete we continue to engage interest‑holders and partners as we advance toward a revised template and guidance that will streamline and support ethical clinical research in BC.
Research Approvals Processes Project (RAPP)
RAPP is a provincially led initiative of the Ministry of Health and the Health Authorities that strengthens research across BC’s health system. Clinical Trials British Columbia participates in an advisory leadership role, and ongoing updates about the initiative are shared through Michael Smith Health Research BC’s website.
