Research ethics review is a key part of BC’s health research landscape. Dedicated ethics professionals are committed to ensuring that studies involving people are carried out in a respectful, just, and compassionate way. They guide research teams through the review process, support their research ethics boards and work with colleagues, communities, people with lived experience, and interest-holders to shape the research ethics ecosystem in British Columbia.

In a rapidly changing world, research ethics professionals need a space where they can gather to share knowledge, build strong relationships, and discuss trends that are emerging across BC, Canada, and globally.

That’s why the Research Ethics Board Administrator (REBA) Harmonization and Education Event exists. Held virtually this year, the event brought together 66 attendees from 23 research ethics boards across BC.

The 2026 theme acknowledged ethics in transition, and sought to equip REBAs with adaptive approaches to innovation, inclusion, and accountability. Speakers highlighted changes in the provincial and national ethics landscape, shared perspectives from research teams and patient partners on their experiences with research ethics, and explored resources and supports for those looking to deepen their connections with the research ethics community.

“Research ethics harmonization is not just about processes – it’s about relationships,” said Alison Orth, Director, Clinical Trials British Columbia. “It’s about shared understanding, mutual respect, and learning from one another across institutions and regions. That’s why events like this are so important. They help cultivate a space where that learning and relationship-building can take place for the research ethics community.”

“REBAs hold an important and impactful role in research and that is often not showcased. Their continued engagement and support in events like this reflect the community’s commitment to adapting to change while advancing innovation, inclusion and accountability for health research as a whole,” shared Jessica Chu, Program Facilitator of Research Ethics, Clinical Trials British Columbia.

This year’s event was hosted by Clinical Trials British Columbia, part of Michael Smith Health Research BC, and organized with Interior Health and the University of British Columbia (UBC). At a time where the provincial, national, and international ethics landscape is shifting, the REBA Harmonization and Education Event emphasized purposeful engagement and respectful relationships for connection, learning and engagement.

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

• Dorothy Herbert, Research Ethics Board, Interior Health
• Hanna Jones-Eriksson, Research Ethics, Clinical Trials British Columbia
• Jessica Chu, Research Ethics, Clinical Trials British Columbia
• Kaila Bonnycastle, Clinical Trials British Columbia
• Maria Valente, Behavioural Research Ethics Board, University of British Columbia
• Pia Ganz, Clinical Research Ethics Board, University of British Columbia

Attendees: Session recordings are now available on the BC Ethics Harmonization Initiative SharePoint. We welcome you to revisit the valuable sessions or share with colleagues who missed the event. For permissions or inquiries, please email: researchethics@clinicaltrialsbc.ca.