Many researchers conduct research outside their home institution, which is also known as multi-jurisdictional research. Examples of this kind of work include scholars collaborating with colleagues at other institutions or physically conducting their own research at other institutions.

The Tri-Council Policy Statement (2nd Ed.; 2014), chapter 8 indicates each institution is responsible for reviewing research conducted under its jurisdiction. At Western, this includes research conducted by the University’s own faculty, staff and students, and research conducted by external researchers using Western’s resources. The Office of Human Research Ethics (OHRE) has developed guidelines for Multi-Jurisdictional Research to help Western and external researchers alike determine when Western’s REB oversight is needed.

If you are unsure if your research project or your role in a research project requires Western Research Ethics Board (REB) oversight the OHRE has developed a new process. Currently, there is a fillable pdf document called “Determining REB Oversight for Peripheral Collaborations” that can be submitted to the OHRE for review. The OHRE will be moving to have this document added to WREM as a separate Multi-Jurisdictional research application form and will send out correspondence once that has been implemented.

Both the Multi-Jurisdictional Research guidance document and Determining REB Oversight for Peripheral Collaborations fillable pdf can be found on the website here.

If you have any questions, please contact the OHRE at ethics@uwo.ca  or 519-661-3036.

photo credit: EpicFireworks MULTI COLOUR STAR BURST via photopin (license)