A new position paper examines what BC needs to build a stronger, sustainable path forward for research ethics in today’s evolving research landscape.

Strengthening Research Ethics in British Columbia: A Call for Leadership & Collective Action advances recommendations to build towards a more resilient and sustainable research ethics system, for the success of BC’s research enterprise.

It calls for those responsible for the ethical conduct of research across BC — including government, health authorities, post-secondary institutions, and research funders — to implement these recommendations over the next three years.

The paper makes 27 recommendations over three areas:

• Harmonized research ethics review
• Indigenous research ethics
• Clinical trials ethics review

“This work brought together research ethics experts to share their insights, experiences, and collective wisdom,” says Dr. Asma-ni-hi Antoine, one of the paper’s authors and Chair of the strategic action group that developed the paper. “They created a safe space to listen, collaborate, and strengthen commitments that extended beyond a single organization to across the province. We wanted to share our perspectives on how to improve research ethics.”

BC already has a strong lead in many areas. However, there is work required to build a system that is ready to uphold Indigenous research ethics, ensure the review process is a relationship-based engagement between researchers, REBs, and ethics offices, and is conducted with respect and cultural safety.

The system must also continue to evolve to meet growing needs of BC’s research community. The existing harmonized research ethics review process needs investment into governance, agreements, performance measurement, and resourcing. To unlock BC’s clinical trials potential, specific improvements are required — such as a shared platform, standardized training, and material support for clinicians to participate in research.

The recommendations in the position paper were developed by a strategic action group of 11 colleagues and advisors convened by Clinical Trials British Columbia, part of Michael Smith Health Research BC. The process brought together leaders from health authorities, post-secondary institutions, government, and research organizations to reflect on shared challenges and identify practical solutions.

Intended as a foundation for ongoing engagement, this work reflects on the current landscape to inform continued collaboration and system improvement across BC’s research ethics community. Building a more resilient and sustainable research ethics system will better respect and protect research participants, enable researchers, and set BC’s health research community on a stronger path forward.